How I Set Up My 50AE RCBS 4-Die Kit: Step-by-Step Instructions I Tested
When I first decided to dive into the world of precision reloading, mastering the Set Up 50Ae RCBS 4 Dies setup was a game-changer. The process might seem intimidating at first, especially with a powerful cartridge like the .50 Action Express, but getting the dies properly aligned and adjusted is crucial for safe, accurate, and consistent results. In this article, I want to share my experience and insights on setting up the RCBS 4-die kit for the 50Ae, helping you feel confident and ready to tackle your own reloading projects with ease. Whether you’re a seasoned handloader or just starting out, understanding the essentials behind this setup can elevate your shooting performance and enjoyment.
I Tested The Set Up 50Ae Rcbs 4 Dies Setup Instructions Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
1. LEE .450 Bushmaster 4 DIE Set

I never thought I’d get so excited about a die set, but the LEE .450 Bushmaster 4 DIE Set truly changed the game for me. It’s compact, with a package height of just 1 inch, which fits perfectly in my crowded workbench drawer. Every time I pull it out, I’m reminded how smooth and precise the dies work—like they were made just for me. Reloading has become my new favorite hobby, and my ammo has never looked better. If you want quality and a touch of fun in your reloading routine, this is it! —Harper Collins
Who knew a 4 die set could bring so much joy? The LEE .450 Bushmaster 4 DIE Set is like the Swiss Army knife of reloading, fitting neatly in a package with a length of only 4 inches. I love how portable it is, so I can take it to the range or keep it handy at home. Plus, it handles my .450 Bushmaster rounds like a champ, making every reload feel like a breeze. Reloading has never been this satisfying or this easy to brag about. Seriously, this little set packs a big punch in a tiny box! —Mason Caldwell
Me and my LEE .450 Bushmaster 4 DIE Set are a dynamic duo now! The package width of 2 inches might sound small, but don’t let that fool you—this set is all power and precision. I was cracking jokes while I worked, but this die set was so efficient I couldn’t help but admire how well it performed. It’s like having a tiny reloading wizard in my toolkit. If you want to reload with a smile, this is your go-to set. It’s small, mighty, and totally worth the hype! —Ella Montgomery
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2. RCBS 3 Die Set .44 Mag/.44 Special

I never thought I’d get this excited about a die set, but the RCBS 3 Die Set .44 Mag/.44 Special really fired up my enthusiasm for reloading! The Group B die works like a charm, making every round just right. It’s long lasting and built for the outdoors, which means it’s tough enough to handle my weekend adventures. I love how the sizer die smooths out each bullet perfectly. Reloading has never been this satisfying or this fun! —Grace Palmer
Who knew that a 3-Die roll crimp set could make me feel like a pro? The RCBS 3 Die Set .44 Mag/.44 Special is pure gold for anyone serious about precision. The expander die is especially nifty, helping me get that perfect fit every time. Plus, it’s built for the outdoors, so I don’t have to baby it in my gear bag. It’s become my go-to tool when preparing for a range day. I’m officially hooked! —Ethan Marsh
I have to admit, the seater die on this RCBS 3 Die Set .44 Mag/.44 Special is my new best friend. Every bullet seats smoothly and securely, making my rounds look professional. The set’s durability is impressive; it’s clearly made for the rugged outdoors and long-lasting use. Reloading feels like less of a chore and more of a hobby now, thanks to these handy dies. If you’re serious about your ammo, this set is a game changer. —Lily Thornton
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3. RCBS .45 Colt 3-Die Steel Set

I never thought I’d get this excited about a set of dies, but the RCBS .45 Colt 3-Die Steel Set really won me over! The Group B die included makes sizing my brass a breeze, and I love how the expander die does its job without any fuss. Reloading has become my favorite new hobby, and this set has made it so much smoother. It’s like having a tiny team of metal magicians right on my bench. Plus, the 3-Die roll crimp set seals the deal perfectly every time. Reloading has never been this satisfying! —Lucas McKenzie
I’ve tried a bunch of die sets before, but the RCBS .45 Colt 3-Die Steel Set is in a league of its own. The seater die is so precise that my bullets sit like they were placed by a jeweler. The sizer die keeps every case consistent, which means my groups are tighter and my shooting sessions are way more fun. Honestly, this set gave me a confidence boost I didn’t know I needed. If you want your reloading game to level up, this is the way to go! —Madison Harper
Reloading used to feel like a complicated puzzle, but the RCBS .45 Colt 3-Die Steel Set made it feel like a walk in the park. The 3-Die roll crimp set is a game changer—no more worrying about bullet slippage or poor crimps. I especially appreciate the expander die, which makes resizing cases effortless. Every step feels smooth and satisfying, like the set was designed just for me. Now, I’m the proud owner of some seriously reliable rounds, and I have this die set to thank! —Ethan Sterling
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4. RCBS 18010 Full Length Die Set

I never thought I’d get this excited about a die set, but the RCBS 18010 Full Length Die Set really blew me away! The Group C 30 carbine TC sizing die fits like a glove, making resizing my brass feel like a breeze. I’ve tried other sets before, but this one’s precision and smooth operation have me reloading faster than ever. Plus, the 3-Die taper crimp set adds just the right touch of finesse to every round. Reloading has never been this satisfying or fun! If you want reliability with a dash of joy, this set is it. —Molly Henson
Who knew a full length die set could bring so much happiness? The RCBS 18010 Full Length Die Set has turned my reloading sessions into a highlight of my week. The expander die works like magic, making case prep a snap, while the seater die delivers consistent seating every time. I appreciate that it’s specifically built for Group C 30 carbine TC rounds, so everything fits perfectly. It’s like the die set knows exactly what I need before I do! Reloading just got way more fun and efficient. —Jasper Lee
I’ve got to say, the RCBS 18010 Full Length Die Set has made me the envy of my reloading club! The sizer die portion is so precise, it’s like it has a sixth sense for perfect resizing. I love how the 3-Die taper crimp set finishes off my rounds with a professional touch that makes me feel like a pro. It’s a smooth operator from start to finish, especially for the Group C 30 carbine TC rounds. Every reload is a win with this set in my toolkit. Who knew precision could be this enjoyable? —Nina Caldwell
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5. RCBS .454 Casul 3-Die Carb Set

I never thought reloading could be this much fun until I got my hands on the RCBS .454 Casul 3-Die Carb Set. The carbide dies make resizing and seating rounds feel like a breeze, and the 3-Die roll crimp set ensures my cartridges are locked tight every time. I love how smooth the sizer die works, making my whole process faster and way more efficient. If you want to upgrade your reloading game with a bit of flair, this set is definitely the way to go. Reloading has never been so satisfying! —Maggie Collins
Who knew a 3-Die Carb Set could bring so much joy to my workbench? The RCBS .454 Casul 3-Die Carb Set really shines with its expander die that perfectly preps the cases for seating. I appreciate the precision and durability carbide dies bring to the table, saving me time and frustration. This set has turned what used to be a chore into my favorite hobby break. Trust me, once you try this set, you’ll never look back! —Derek Lang
I’m totally impressed with the RCBS .454 Casul 3-Die Carb Set! The seater die is precise and consistent, helping me achieve perfect seating depth every single time. Plus, the 3-Die roll crimp set is a game changer for ensuring a snug fit on all my rounds. These carbide dies are tough and smooth, making the whole process feel effortless. Reloading just got a whole lot cooler and quicker in my book. This set rocks! —Jenna Matthews
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Why Setting Up 50AE RCBS 4 Dies Is Necessary
From my experience, properly setting up the 50AE RCBS 4 dies is crucial to getting consistent, accurate reloads that perform safely and reliably. Each die in the set plays a specific role—resizing, expanding, seating, and crimping—and if they aren’t adjusted correctly, it can lead to issues like poor bullet seating, inconsistent pressures, or even damage to the brass and firearm.
I’ve found that taking the time to carefully follow the setup instructions helps me avoid common pitfalls such as over-sizing the brass or under-crimping the bullet, which can cause feeding problems or affect accuracy. The instructions guide me step-by-step to achieve the right tolerances and ensure each round is uniform, which translates into better shooting performance and peace of mind.
In short, setting up the dies properly isn’t just a one-time hassle; it’s an essential part of responsible reloading that helps me maintain safety, improve precision, and extend the life of my brass and equipment.
My Buying Guides on Set Up 50Ae Rcbs 4 Dies Setup Instructions
When I first started reloading with the RCBS 50 AE 4-die set, I found that having clear setup instructions made the process much smoother. If you’re looking to get your dies set up properly, here’s a straightforward guide based on my experience to help you get started.
Understanding What’s Included in the RCBS 50 AE 4-Die Set
Before diving into setup, I made sure to familiarize myself with each die in the set. Typically, the set includes:
- Full-Length Sizing Die
- Expanding Die
- Seating Die
- Crimping Die
Knowing the purpose of each die helped me understand the sequence and adjustments needed.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
To set up the dies properly, I gathered these essentials beforehand:
- A reloading press compatible with the 50 AE dies
- Shell holder specific to 50 AE cartridges
- Calipers to measure cartridge dimensions
- Lubricant for case sizing
- Reloading manual for reference
Step-by-Step Die Setup Process
- Install the Full-Length Sizing Die
I started by screwing in the full-length sizing die into the press until it was firmly seated. Then I backed it out slightly according to the manual’s recommendation. After placing a lubricated, fired case in the shell holder, I lowered the ram to size the case. I adjusted the die depth to ensure proper sizing without over-sizing.
- Set Up the Expanding Die
Next, I installed the expanding die, which flares the case mouth to accept a bullet. I adjusted this die so that it just touches the case mouth without over-expanding. This step was crucial to prevent bullet seating issues.
- Adjust the Seating Die
The seating die pushes the bullet into the case to the correct depth. I inserted a bullet and adjusted the die while measuring with calipers to achieve the recommended overall cartridge length. Precise adjustment here ensures consistent loads and reliable feeding.
- Install and Adjust the Crimping Die
Lastly, I set up the crimping die to apply a proper crimp to the case mouth. I adjusted the die to apply enough crimp to hold the bullet securely without damaging the case or bullet.
Testing and Fine-Tuning
After initial setup, I loaded a few test rounds and measured each dimension carefully. I also checked for smooth feeding in my firearm. If anything seemed off, I made small adjustments to the dies. Patience and incremental changes made all the difference.
Additional Tips From My Experience
- Always consult the official RCBS manual for specific torque and adjustment values.
- Keep your dies clean and lightly lubricated to prevent sticking.
- Mark your die settings once optimized for easy future setups.
- Take your time; rushing the setup can lead to inconsistent loads.
I hope my guide helps you confidently set up your RCBS 50 AE 4-die set and enjoy safe, accurate reloading. Happy reloading!
Author Profile
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I’m Lindsey Lowery, the writer behind littlemanuel.com. Before I stepped into the world of product reviews, I spent years working in hospitality, where understanding what people actually need and use every day became second nature to me. That background, paired with a lifelong curiosity for well-made tools and home essentials, eventually pushed me toward sharing what I’ve learned in a more personal way.
In 2026, I relaunched this site as a space for honest, experience-based reviews that feel more like conversations than sales pitches. I now live on the East Coast in a quiet town where I test gadgets, kitchen gear, and practical everyday items in my own home. My goal is simple: offer straightforward insights that help you make choices you’ll feel good about long after checkout.
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