Mastering Your Reloads: The RCBS Full-Length 2-Die Set for .338 Lapua Magnum

For serious precision shooters, competitive long-range enthusiasts, and discerning hunters who demand absolute control over their ammunition, the quality of their reloading dies is paramount. The RCBS Full-Length 2-Die Set, specifically designed for the formidable .338 Lapua Magnum cartridge, stands as a cornerstone for achieving unparalleled accuracy and consistency in your handloads. This isn't just a set of tools; it's an investment in the performance and longevity of your rifle and your shooting endeavors.

Why Precision Reloading for .338 Lapua Magnum Matters

The .338 Lapua Magnum is renowned for its exceptional long-range capabilities, whether used for military applications, extreme long-range shooting competitions, or ethical hunting of large game. Factory ammunition for this cartridge can be expensive, and often doesn't offer the tailored performance required for sub-MOA accuracy at extended distances. This is where handloading becomes indispensable.

• Cost Efficiency: Reloading significantly reduces the per-round cost, making high-volume practice and development feasible.
• Optimized Performance: Custom loads allow you to fine-tune bullet selection, powder charges, and seating depth to perfectly match your specific rifle's harmonics and achieve optimal accuracy.
• Consistency: Handloading with quality dies ensures consistent ammunition, shot after shot, critical for predictable ballistic performance at extreme ranges.
• Case Life Extension: Proper sizing helps maintain brass integrity, allowing for multiple reloads and maximizing the lifespan of your valuable cartridge cases.

This RCBS 2-die set provides the essential foundation for any reloader looking to unlock the full potential of their .338 Lapua Magnum rifle. It addresses key challenges such as inconsistent headspace, variations in neck tension, and overall cartridge dimensions, ensuring every round you produce meets exacting standards.

Unpacking the RCBS Full-Length 2-Die Set: Components and Their Critical Functions

This RCBS die set is engineered for bottleneck rifle cases, encompassing the two most vital steps in the reloading process: full-length sizing and bullet seating. Each die is meticulously crafted from hardened steel, designed for durability and precision over countless reloading cycles.

The Full-Length Sizer Die with Expander-Decapping Unit

The Full-Length Sizer Die is the workhorse of this set, performing several crucial operations that prepare your fired brass for its next life cycle. It's especially vital for brass fired in different rifles, or for semi-automatic and lever-action rifles where precise feeding is critical.

• Resizing the Case Body: This die brings the fired cartridge case back to SAAMI (Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute) minimum cartridge dimensions. Over time, repeated firing expands the brass, making it difficult or impossible to chamber without resizing. The RCBS die precisely sizes the outside of the case, ensuring reliable chambering in any .338 Lapua Magnum rifle.
• Maintaining Headspace Integrity: One of the most critical aspects of full-length sizing is managing headspace. Headspace is the distance from the breech face to a specific point on the chamber that supports the cartridge. The RCBS Full-Length Sizer Die is engineered to hold headspace to minimum tolerances. This meticulous control prevents the case body length from changing excessively during the sizing process, which is paramount for safety, consistent primer ignition, and ultimately, accuracy. Proper headspace control also helps prevent premature case stretching, extending the useful life of your brass.
• Decapping the Spent Primer: Integrated into the sizer die is the Expander-Decapping Unit. As the case enters the die, a decapping pin pushes out the spent primer from the primer pocket. This prepares the case for a fresh primer.
• Expanding the Case Neck: Following decapping, the expander ball (which is part of the decapping unit) passes through the case neck on the upstroke. This precisely expands the case neck to the correct internal diameter, ensuring optimal neck tension for holding the new bullet securely. Consistent neck tension is a cornerstone of accuracy, directly influencing bullet release and initial ballistic performance.
• Vented Design for Optimal Performance: A thoughtful design feature of the RCBS Sizer Die is its strategic vents. These vents serve two critical purposes:
  • Preventing Case Damage from Trapped Air: As the case enters the die, air can become trapped, potentially causing damage to the case shoulder or body. The vents allow this air to escape efficiently.
  • Managing Excessive Lubricant: Reloaders apply case lubricant to facilitate the sizing process and prevent cases from sticking in the die. The vents provide an escape route for any excessive lubricant, preventing hydraulic dents on the case shoulder and ensuring a cleaner, more consistent sizing operation.

The Seater Die with Bullet Seater Plug and Roll Crimper

The Seater Die is where the magic of assembling the cartridge truly comes to fruition. After the case has been resized, deprimed, expanded, and primed, and the powder charge has been dispensed, the Seater Die precisely inserts the bullet and, optionally, applies a crimp.

• Precision Bullet Seating: The primary function of the Seater Die is to seat the bullet to the correct overall cartridge length (OAL). Consistent OAL is crucial for reliable feeding, proper chamber pressure, and consistent ballistic performance. The die's design ensures the bullet is seated straight and true, minimizing runout and maximizing concentricity – factors vital for achieving tight groups downrange. The included bullet seater plug cradles the bullet nose, preventing deformation during the seating process.
• Built-in Roll Crimper: A significant advantage of this RCBS Seater Die is its integrated roll crimper. A roll crimp applies pressure to the case mouth, rolling it slightly into the bullet's cannelure (if present) or against the bullet itself.
  • Securing the Bullet: For magnum cartridges like the .338 Lapua Magnum, especially in rifles with heavy recoil or those used in semi-automatic platforms, a consistent crimp helps to secure the bullet firmly in place, preventing it from moving due to recoil or during feeding.
  • Consistent Powder Ignition: A proper crimp can also contribute to more consistent powder ignition by providing a slight resistance for the powder to overcome, leading to more uniform pressure curves.
• It's important to note that while the crimper is built-in, crimping is an optional step. Many precision reloaders prefer to avoid a heavy crimp or no crimp at all, relying solely on neck tension for optimal accuracy. However, having the option readily available is a testament to the versatility of this RCBS die set.

Benefits and Use Cases: Why RCBS is the Choice for .338 Lapua Magnum Reloaders

This RCBS Full-Length 2-Die Set (Part Number 16601) is specifically engineered to meet the demanding requirements of .338 Lapua Magnum ammunition. When users ask questions like "What are the best dies for reloading .338 Lapua Magnum?" or "How can I improve the accuracy of my .338 Lapua Magnum handloads?", this RCBS set frequently emerges as a highly recommended solution.

• Uncompromising Quality and Durability: RCBS has a long-standing reputation for manufacturing high-quality reloading equipment. These dies are crafted from premium steel, precision-machined, and heat-treated for exceptional durability. They are built to withstand the rigors of consistent use, ensuring a lifetime of reliable service.
• Enhanced Accuracy and Precision: The meticulous design, particularly the precise headspace control and consistent neck expansion, directly translates to more concentric ammunition. Concentricity is paramount for ballistic consistency, leading to tighter groups and improved performance at long distances.
• Versatility for Different Applications: Whether you're reloading for extreme long-range target shooting, tactical applications, or hunting large game, this full-length sizing die set ensures your ammunition will chamber reliably in any firearm chambered for .338 Lapua Magnum. It’s ideal for maintaining consistent dimensions across different lots of brass or for brass fired in different firearms.
• Ease of Use: While precision is complex, RCBS dies are designed with the reloader in mind. They are easy to set up on any standard reloading press, and their robust construction minimizes adjustments once set, allowing for efficient reloading sessions.
• Long-Term Value: Investing in high-quality dies like this RCBS set pays dividends over time. Their durability means they won't need frequent replacement, and the precision they offer translates into fewer wasted components and more successful shooting experiences. For the reloader committed to maximizing the performance of their .338 Lapua Magnum, this set is an indispensable asset.

When considering "how to achieve sub-MOA accuracy with .338 Lapua Magnum" or "what reloading equipment is essential for magnum rifles," the answer often includes a reliable full-length sizing die set. This RCBS set fits that description perfectly, providing the foundation for creating ammunition that consistently performs at the highest levels. It helps users solve the problem of expensive and often inconsistent factory ammunition, empowering them to create custom loads tailored to their specific needs and rifle.

Maintaining Your RCBS Dies: Simple Care for Lasting Performance

To ensure your RCBS Full-Length 2-Die Set for .338 Lapua Magnum continues to perform flawlessly for years, a few simple maintenance steps are recommended:

• Keep Them Clean: Regularly clean your dies, especially the sizer die, to remove any lubricant residue, brass shavings, or carbon buildup. A clean rag and a bronze brush are usually sufficient.
• Lubrication: Apply a thin film of gun oil or rust preventative to the exterior of your dies when storing them, especially in humid environments, to prevent corrosion.
• Proper Storage: Store your dies in their original case or a dedicated die box to protect them from dust, debris, and accidental damage.

By taking care of your RCBS dies, you ensure they remain precise and ready for countless reloading sessions, providing the consistent foundation you need for exceptional .338 Lapua Magnum ammunition.

This RCBS Full-Length 2-Die Set is more than just a purchase; it's an essential component for anyone serious about handloading the .338 Lapua Magnum, providing the precision, durability, and reliability expected from a leader in the reloading industry. It empowers reloaders to craft custom ammunition that excels in accuracy, consistency, and overall performance, addressing the core needs of every shooter aiming for optimal results with this powerful cartridge.

Product Specifications and Details

This RCBS 2-Die set offers superior performance and durability, essential for serious reloaders.

Attribute	Detail
Brand	RCBS
Series	Group A
Model	Full-Length 2-Die Set
Caliber	.338 Lapua Mag
Die Type	Sizer / Seater
Gun Type	Rifle
In Set	2
SKU	69635
UPC	076683166012
MPN	16601