Mastering .270 Winchester Ammunition: The RCBS 13501 Full-Length 2-Die Set for Precision Reloading

For discerning shooters and avid hunters who demand superior performance, precision, and cost-effectiveness from their .270 Winchester ammunition, the journey often leads to handloading. The ability to craft custom loads tailored precisely to your firearm and specific shooting needs is an unparalleled advantage. At the core of this advanced reloading process lies a critical component: a high-quality die set. The RCBS 13501 Full-Length 2-Die Set, specifically designed for Group A .270 Win cartridges, emerges as an indispensable tool for anyone serious about optimizing their rifle's potential.

Are you looking to achieve sub-MOA accuracy with your .270 Winchester rifle? Do you want to extend the life of your valuable brass casings while significantly reducing your ammunition costs? The answers to these common questions lie in the consistent, precise performance offered by the RCBS Full-Length 2-Die Set. This comprehensive set provides the foundational tools necessary to transform fired brass into ready-to-load, precision-engineered cartridges, ensuring optimal performance shot after shot.

Understanding the Essence of a Reloading Die Set

Before delving into the specifics of the RCBS 13501, it's essential to grasp the fundamental role a die set plays in the reloading process. Reloading dies are precision-machined tools that fit into a reloading press, each performing a distinct and crucial operation on a spent cartridge case. For bottleneck rifle cartridges like the .270 Winchester, a typical two-die set addresses the two primary stages: sizing and bullet seating. The RCBS 13501 excels in both these functions, bringing decades of manufacturing expertise and innovative design to your reloading bench.

This specific die set is meticulously engineered for reloading bottleneck cases, which are characterized by a distinct shoulder and a narrower neck than the body, a common feature of high-power rifle cartridges. The .270 Winchester, known for its flat trajectory and effectiveness on medium to large game, is a prime example of such a cartridge, benefiting immensely from the precise control offered by this RCBS set.

The Full-Length Sizer Die: Restoring Cartridge Integrity

The first, and arguably most critical, component of the RCBS 13501 Full-Length 2-Die Set is the Full-Length Sizer Die, complete with an Expander-Decapping Unit. This die is the workhorse of the initial stage of rifle brass preparation. Its primary function is to return a fired cartridge case to its original, SAAMI (Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute) minimum cartridge dimensions. Why is this so vital? When a cartridge is fired, the brass expands to conform to the rifle's chamber. While this expansion is minimal, it's enough to prevent easy chambering or cause feeding issues in subsequent firings, especially if the brass is used in a different rifle or a semi-automatic action.

Here's a breakdown of the Full-Length Sizer Die's essential operations:

• External Sizing: The die meticulously sizes the entire outside of the case, from the base to the neck, ensuring it will fit perfectly into any SAAMI-spec chamber. This full-length sizing is particularly beneficial for brass that has been fired in multiple firearms, as it eliminates any chamber-specific eccentricities. It's also crucial for consistent feeding in semi-automatic rifles or lever-action firearms where reliable cartridge presentation is paramount.
• Decapping: As the case enters the die, the Expander-Decapping Unit swiftly removes the spent primer from the primer pocket. This prepares the case for a new, live primer to be seated in a subsequent step of the reloading process.
• Neck Expansion: After decapping, the expander ball, part of the Expander-Decapping Unit, passes through the case neck on the upstroke. This precisely expands the case neck to the correct internal diameter, ensuring it can securely accept a new bullet without deforming it. The consistency of this neck expansion is crucial for uniform bullet tension, which directly translates to consistent bullet pull and, ultimately, improved accuracy.
• Air and Lube Vents: A thoughtful design feature of the RCBS Full-Length Sizer Die is the inclusion of vents. These strategically placed vents prevent case damage that can be caused by trapped air during the sizing process, especially with bottleneck cases. Additionally, they provide an escape route for excessive lubricant, ensuring that any surplus lube doesn't cause pressure dents or other deformities on the case shoulder. This attention to detail speaks volumes about RCBS's commitment to user-friendly and highly effective tooling.
• Minimum Headspace Tolerances: The RCBS Full-Length Sizer Die is designed to hold headspace to minimum tolerances. This critical engineering ensures that the case body length remains consistent and does not significantly change during the full-length sizing operation. Maintaining correct headspace is fundamental for safe and accurate ammunition, preventing potential over-pressures or misfires.

Choosing a full-length sizing die over a neck-sizing die (which only sizes the neck and leaves the body expanded to the chamber it was fired in) is often recommended when:

• You are reloading for multiple firearms.
• You are reloading for semi-automatic or lever-action rifles where consistent feeding is paramount.
• You are experiencing difficult chambering with neck-sized cases.
• You want absolute consistency in your case dimensions.

The Seater Die: Precision Bullet Placement and Security

The second vital component of the RCBS 13501 set is the Seater Die, equipped with a Bullet Seater Plug. Once the brass has been sized, de-primed, and re-primed, the next step is to seat the bullet to the correct overall length (OAL) and secure it within the case. This die performs both functions with remarkable precision.

Here’s what the Seater Die contributes to your reloading process:

• Bullet Seating: The primary role of the seater die is to press the bullet into the case neck to a pre-determined depth. The included Bullet Seater Plug is specifically designed to cradle the bullet's ogive (the curved part of the bullet's nose), ensuring that the bullet is seated straight and concentric with the case. Consistent bullet seating depth is a cornerstone of ammunition accuracy, influencing chamber pressure, velocity, and ultimately, group size on target.
• Built-in Roll Crimper: A significant advantage of this RCBS Seater Die is its built-in roll crimper. This feature allows you to secure the bullet in the case neck at the same time it is seated. Crimping applies a slight inward pressure on the case mouth, helping to hold the bullet firmly in place. While not always necessary for all rifle loads, a roll crimp is highly beneficial for:
  • Ammunition intended for tubular magazines (like some lever-action rifles) where bullet setback can be an issue under recoil.
  • Hunting ammunition where cartridges might endure rough handling or multiple cycles through the rifle action.
  • Ensuring consistent powder burn by providing uniform bullet tension.

The ability to seat and crimp simultaneously streamlines the reloading process, saving time and reducing the number of steps required, while still delivering professional-grade results.

Why Choose This RCBS Set for Your .270 Winchester?

The .270 Winchester is a legendary cartridge, revered by hunters and sport shooters worldwide for its flat trajectory, manageable recoil, and effectiveness on a wide range of game. To truly unlock its full potential, handloading is the key, and the RCBS 13501 Full-Length 2-Die Set is purpose-built to facilitate this.

Here’s why this die set is an exceptional investment for the .270 Win reloader:

• Unparalleled Precision and Consistency: RCBS is renowned for its commitment to precision manufacturing. These dies are crafted to exacting tolerances, ensuring every case is resized consistently and every bullet is seated uniformly. This translates directly to more consistent ammunition, leading to tighter groups and improved accuracy downrange.
• Extended Brass Life: By accurately returning cases to SAAMI specifications without overworking the brass, these dies help extend the life of your valuable .270 Winchester casings. This means more reloads per piece of brass, further enhancing the cost savings associated with handloading.
• Cost-Effectiveness: While initial investment in reloading equipment is required, the long-term savings from reloading your .270 Win ammunition are substantial. This die set is a foundational component that quickly pays for itself, especially with the rising cost of factory ammunition.
• Custom Ammunition Development: The RCBS 13501 enables you to experiment with different powders, bullets, and seating depths to find the "perfect load" for your specific .270 Winchester rifle. This level of customization is simply not possible with off-the-shelf factory ammunition and allows you to fine-tune your loads for optimal velocity, accuracy, and terminal performance.
• Durability and Longevity: Manufactured from high-quality steel and engineered for demanding use, RCBS dies are built to last a lifetime. They resist wear and tear, ensuring reliable performance through thousands of reloading cycles. This rugged construction makes them a trusted companion for years of dedicated handloading.
• Streamlined Workflow: The combined sizing, decapping, neck expansion, and simultaneous seating/crimping capabilities of this two-die set simplify the reloading process, making it more efficient and enjoyable.

Who is the RCBS 13501 Full-Length 2-Die Set For?

This die set is an essential tool for a diverse group of shooting enthusiasts, including:

• Dedicated Hunters: Those who rely on their .270 Winchester for ethical, precise shots on game animals will appreciate the ability to craft highly accurate, reliable hunting loads.
• Precision Target Shooters: Individuals seeking to push the limits of their .270 Win rifle's accuracy on the range, whether for casual plinking or competitive shooting.
• Cost-Conscious Shooters: Anyone looking to significantly reduce their annual ammunition expenses by converting to handloaded cartridges.
• Reloading Enthusiasts: Beginners seeking a robust, reliable starter set for .270 Win, or experienced reloaders looking to add a top-tier die set to their collection.
• Rifle Owners with Multiple .270 Win Firearms: The full-length sizing ensures compatibility and reliable feeding across different chambers.

The RCBS Legacy: A Foundation of Trust

RCBS has been a cornerstone of the reloading community for over 75 years, synonymous with innovation, quality, and reliability. Founded on the principle of providing shooters with the tools to produce their own ammunition safely and precisely, RCBS has continually pushed the boundaries of reloading technology. When you invest in an RCBS product like the 13501 Full-Length 2-Die Set, you're not just buying a tool; you're investing in a legacy of American-made quality, meticulous engineering, and a commitment to supporting the handloading community. Their dies are universally praised for their robust construction, consistent performance, and the peace of mind they offer to reloaders who prioritize safety and accuracy.

Whether you're embarking on your first reloading journey or are a seasoned veteran looking to upgrade your .270 Winchester setup, the RCBS 13501 Full-Length 2-Die Set Group A .270 Win offers an unparalleled combination of precision, durability, and value. It’s a foundational piece of equipment that empowers you to produce custom, high-performance ammunition that will enhance your shooting experience for years to come.

This essential die set, along with all your reloading needs, is readily available at DEGuns.com, your trusted source for premium firearms and shooting accessories.

Product Specifications Summary

Feature	Detail
Brand	RCBS
Model	Full-Length 2-Die Set
Caliber	.270 Winchester
Die Type	Sizer / Seater
Gun Type	Rifle
Dies In Set	2 (Full-Length Sizer Die, Seater Die)
MPN	13501
UPC	076683135018