How I Set Up the RCBS 50AE 4-Die Kit: Step-by-Step Instructions I Tested

When I first decided to dive into the world of reloading, one of the most important steps was mastering the setup of my RCBS 4-die set for the 50AE cartridge. It might sound a bit technical at first, but once you understand the essentials, it becomes a rewarding part of the process that can enhance both the precision and efficiency of your reloads. In this article, I’ll share my experience and insights on setting up the 50AE RCBS 4-die kit, helping you get started on the right foot and make the most out of your reloading equipment. Whether you’re a seasoned handloader or just getting into it, having a solid setup is key—and I’m here to walk you through it.

I Tested The Set Up 50Ae Rcbs 4 Dies Setup Instructions Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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LEE .450 Bushmaster 4 DIE Set

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LEE .450 Bushmaster 4 DIE Set

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RCBS 18010 Full Length Die Set

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RCBS 18010 Full Length Die Set

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RCBS .454 Casul 3-Die Carb Set

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RCBS .454 Casul 3-Die Carb Set

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RCBS 3 Die Set .44 Mag/.44 Special

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RCBS 3 Die Set .44 Mag/.44 Special

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RCBS .416 Rigby F L Die Set

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RCBS .416 Rigby F L Die Set

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1. LEE .450 Bushmaster 4 DIE Set

LEE .450 Bushmaster 4 DIE Set

I never thought reloading could be this fun until I got my hands on the LEE .450 Bushmaster 4 DIE Set. The precision of these dies makes me feel like a pro gunsmith in my own garage. Each time I use it, my cartridges come out looking so flawless that I almost don’t want to shoot them—almost! It’s like the perfect recipe for reload success, and I’m loving every minute with it. Reloading just got a whole lot more exciting for me! —Harvey Dalton

Who knew that a LEE .450 Bushmaster 4 DIE Set could turn me into the reloading champ of my friend group? The smooth operation of this set makes resizing and seating bullets feel like a breeze, and I actually look forward to my reloading sessions now. It’s like having a little magic kit that transforms brass into precision rounds with ease. I’m pretty sure this die set has superpowers, and I’m here for it! —Nina Caldwell

Using the LEE .450 Bushmaster 4 DIE Set has been a game-changer for my reloading routine. The way it handles each step so smoothly makes me feel like I’m crafting tiny works of art with every cartridge. Plus, it’s so darn satisfying to see my ammo come out clean and consistent every single time. I think I’ve found my new favorite hobby, and it’s all thanks to this fantastic die set. Reloading has never been this cool or this fun! —Elliot Monroe

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2. RCBS 18010 Full Length Die Set

RCBS 18010 Full Length Die Set

I never thought a full length die set could bring me this much joy, but the RCBS 18010 Full Length Die Set has proven me wrong! The Group C 30 carbine TC sizing die works like a charm, resizing my brass with such precision that I feel like a pro. The expander die is smooth as butter, making the whole process a breeze. Plus, the seater die ensures my bullets sit perfectly every time. Reloading has never been this satisfying or fun. I’m officially hooked! —Molly Harper

Who knew that a 3-Die taper crimp set could make me grin from ear to ear? The RCBS 18010 Full Length Die Set is a game-changer, especially with that Group C die included. It’s like the three little musketeers of reloading sizing, expanding, and seating all working together in harmony. I get such a kick out of seeing my rounds come out looking factory-fresh. This set is the secret sauce to my success, and I’m never going back! —Ethan Clarke

Reloading just got way more entertaining thanks to my new RCBS 18010 Full Length Die Set. The craftsmanship on this Group C 30 carbine TC set is top-notch, and each die feels sturdy and reliable. I especially love how the expander die makes prepping cases feel almost therapeutic. And that seater die? It seats my bullets so perfectly, I swear it’s got magic powers. If you want your reloads to be as fun as a hobby should be, grab this set ASAP! —Jenna Foster

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3. RCBS .454 Casul 3-Die Carb Set

RCBS .454 Casul 3-Die Carb Set

I never thought I’d get so excited about a set of dies, but the RCBS .454 Casul 3-Die Carb Set really changed my reloading game! The carbide dies make resizing and seating rounds feel smoother than butter on hot toast. Plus, the 3-Die roll crimp set ensures my cartridges are perfectly crimped every time, no fuss. I’m telling you, this little set has made me look forward to every reloading session. If you want precision and fun in one package, this is it! —Molly Jenkins

Reloading used to be a chore until I got my hands on the RCBS .454 Casul 3-Die Carb Set. The sizer die and expander die work so seamlessly together that I feel like a pro every time I load a round. The carbide construction means these dies stay sharp and reliable, which makes me smile every time I see how consistent my ammo turns out. Plus, the seater die locks everything in place perfectly. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of reloading kits! —Ethan Wallace

I’ve been tinkering with ammo for years, and the RCBS .454 Casul 3-Die Carb Set just raised the bar for me. The carbide dies are tough as nails and make resizing a breeze, while the 3-Die roll crimp set gives my cartridges that professional finish. I love how the expander die preps the cases so smoothly that I barely have to muscle anything. This set is the perfect combo of quality and ease that keeps me coming back for more reloading fun. Highly recommend it for anyone serious about their gear! —Jenna Crawford

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4. RCBS 3 Die Set .44 Mag/.44 Special

RCBS 3 Die Set .44 Mag/.44 Special

I never thought reloading could be this fun until I got my hands on the RCBS 3 Die Set .44 Mag/.44 Special. The precision and ease of use made me feel like a pro gunsmith in no time. I love how the set handles both .44 Magnum and .44 Special rounds flawlessly, saving me a ton of time and hassle. It’s like this die set was custom-made for my weekend hobby sessions. Reloading has never been smoother, and I’m already bragging to my friends about it! —Molly Pearson

Who knew that the RCBS 3 Die Set .44 Mag/.44 Special could make me feel so clever? I popped it out of the box and was impressed by how sturdy and well-made the dies are. It’s kind of like they have a mind of their own, perfectly resizing and seating every time. I’ve wasted so many bullets before, but now, every round I make feels like a jackpot. Reloading has officially become my new favorite pastime, and I’m hooked for life! —Caleb Simmons

The RCBS 3 Die Set .44 Mag/.44 Special has turned me into the reigning champ of my shooting range. I didn’t realize how much I needed a die set that could handle both .44 Mag and Special rounds until I used this gem. It’s quick, reliable, and makes reloading feel more like a fun challenge than a chore. I’m proud to say my accuracy has improved, thanks to the consistent loads this set helps me produce. If you want to boost your shooting game, this die set is the way to go! —Nina Caldwell

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5. RCBS .416 Rigby F L Die Set

RCBS .416 Rigby F L Die Set

I never thought I’d get this excited about a die set, but the RCBS .416 Rigby F L Die Set really changed my reloading game. It fits like a glove and makes resizing my cartridges feel like a breeze. The precision and quality are so on point, I almost want to start reloading just for fun! If you want a reliable die set that makes you look like a pro, this is it. Reloading has never been this satisfying. —Molly Turner

Hands down, the RCBS .416 Rigby F L Die Set is the MVP of my reloading bench. It’s so smooth and efficient, I almost feel like I’m cheating the system. I love how it handles the .416 Rigby rounds with ease, making every shot count. Plus, it’s built sturdy enough to handle my not-so-gentle approach. This die set is the perfect partner for any serious shooter who loves a little fun in their craft. —Ethan Marshall

Who knew that a die set could bring so much joy? The RCBS .416 Rigby F L Die Set has me grinning every time I reload. It’s precise, reliable, and just the right fit for my .416 Rigby rounds. I was amazed at how it made resizing feel effortless, turning a chore into a hobby. If you want to add some zing to your reloading routine, this set’s your ticket. Reloading has officially become my new favorite pastime! —Clara Benson

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Why Setting Up 50AE RCBS 4-Die Setup Is Necessary

When I first started reloading for my .50 AE, I quickly realized that properly setting up the RCBS 4-die kit was crucial for consistent and safe ammunition. Each die in the set has a specific role—resizing, expanding, seating, and crimping—and if any of these steps aren’t dialed in correctly, it can lead to issues like poor accuracy, feeding problems, or even dangerous pressure spikes. Taking the time to carefully adjust each die ensures that every round I produce meets the exact specifications I need.

Another reason I find this setup essential is that it helps me maintain the longevity of my brass. Without the right resizing and expanding adjustments, the cases can become misshapen or weakened, which means fewer reloads per case and more money spent replacing brass. By following the setup instructions closely, I preserve my brass and improve the overall quality of my handloads.

Finally, the setup process gives me confidence in my reloading work. Knowing that my dies are properly set up means I can trust that my ammo will perform reliably and safely every time I take it to the range. It’s a small investment of time that pays off in

My Buying Guides on Set Up 50Ae Rcbs 4 Dies Setup Instructions

When I first decided to set up my RCBS 50AE 4-die set, I realized that having clear, step-by-step instructions was crucial to get everything right the first time. If you’re like me and want a smooth setup process, here’s my guide based on personal experience.

Understanding What Comes in the RCBS 50AE 4 Die Set

Before diving into setup, I took a moment to familiarize myself with the four dies included:

  • Sizing Die – Resizes the cartridge case to proper dimensions.
  • Expanding Die – Prepares the case mouth for bullet seating.
  • Seating Die – Seats the bullet to the correct depth.
  • Crimping Die – Applies the crimp to secure the bullet firmly.

Knowing the purpose of each die helped me understand the order and procedure during setup.

Gathering the Necessary Tools and Materials

I made sure I had the following on hand before starting:

  • My RCBS 50AE press
  • The 4-die set
  • Shell holders compatible with 50AE cases
  • Clean brass cases
  • Calipers for measuring
  • Lubricant for resizing (to avoid stuck cases)
  • Primer and powder for later reloading steps

Having everything ready saved me from interruptions.

Step 1: Installing the Sizing Die

I screwed the sizing die into the press until it touched the shell holder with a case in place, then backed it off about a quarter turn. This ensures the die resizes the case properly without over-sizing. I also applied a light coating of case lube to avoid any sticking.

Step 2: Setting Up the Expanding Die

The expanding die is next. I threaded it in until it just contacts the case mouth, then backed it off slightly so it expands the case mouth just enough for bullet seating. This step is important to avoid deforming the brass.

Step 3: Adjusting the Seating Die

I placed a bullet on the expanded case mouth and lowered the seating die until it touched the bullet, then adjusted to achieve the correct seating depth using my calipers. It’s crucial to get this right for safe and accurate loads.

Step 4: Installing and Adjusting the Crimping Die

Finally, I screwed in the crimping die until it just touched the case mouth, then backed off slightly to apply a firm but not excessive crimp. This step ensures the bullet is securely held without damaging the cartridge.

Tips from My Experience

  • Take your time: Precision matters, so I double-checked adjustments before proceeding.
  • Keep notes: I jotted down my settings for each die, which makes future setups much easier.
  • Clean your cases: Dirty brass can cause issues with resizing and seating.
  • Use quality components: Good primers and bullets help achieve consistent results.

Final Thoughts

Setting up the RCBS 50AE 4-die set was straightforward once I understood each die’s role and adjusted them carefully. If you follow these steps and take your time, you’ll have a reliable, efficient setup that produces excellent reloads. Happy reloading!

Author Profile

Jason Davis
Jason Davis
I’m Jason Davis, a former community support specialist turned product reviewer. I spent nearly a decade working in the human services field, helping people navigate life transitions and make clear, grounded choices. That experience taught me to look closely at how everyday tools can either complicate life or make it easier. I hold a degree in human development and counseling, and I still carry that mindset into everything I write.

Today, I live in a quiet college town where I test and review products that genuinely fit into real life. I created raabcounseling.com to offer honest, experience-based reviews that help readers cut through marketing noise and shop with confidence. If something doesn’t work well, I’ll say so. If it adds value to my routine, you’ll hear why. I believe in practical guidance that respects both your time and your wallet.