Elevate Your Handloading Precision: The Indispensable RCBS #20 Single Stage Shell Holder for .45 Colt and .454 Casull

For anyone serious about reloading their own ammunition – whether you're a seasoned competitive shooter, a dedicated hunter, or a hobbyist seeking to optimize your rounds and save on costs – the quality of your reloading tools is paramount. Among the foundational pieces of equipment, a precise and reliable shell holder stands out as a non-negotiable component. It is the critical link between your firearm's spent brass and the transformative power of your reloading press.

Unlocking Reloading Excellence: Why Every Component Matters

Are you wondering how to achieve consistent, safe, and accurate ammunition from your home reloading setup? The journey begins with attention to detail, and often, the smallest components make the biggest difference. The RCBS #20 Single Stage Shell Holder, meticulously engineered for the popular .45 Colt (Long Colt) and the formidable .454 Casull calibers, exemplifies this principle. It’s not just a piece of metal; it’s a precisely crafted tool designed to ensure flawless operation and contribute directly to the quality and safety of every round you produce.

The Foundational Role of a Shell Holder in Ammunition Reloading

What exactly does a shell holder do, and why is the RCBS #20 so crucial for specific calibers like .45 Colt and .454 Casull? In the intricate dance of ammunition reloading, the shell holder serves as the secure anchor for your spent cartridge case. It firmly grasps the rim of the case, holding it in perfect alignment as it moves through various reloading dies on a single-stage or turret press. This precise alignment is absolutely essential for every step of the reloading process, from decapping and resizing to belling, powder charging, and bullet seating. Without a perfectly fitting and robust shell holder, you risk misalignments that can lead to:

• Damaged Brass: Cases can be bent, crushed, or scored, rendering them unusable.
• Inconsistent Cartridges: Improper alignment affects resizing and bullet seating depth, leading to variations in bullet pull and overall cartridge length, which directly impacts accuracy and safety.
• Equipment Strain: Misaligned cases can put undue stress on your dies and press, potentially causing premature wear or damage.
• Safety Hazards: Improperly seated primers or bullets, or cases not sized correctly, can lead to dangerous conditions during firing.

The RCBS #20 Single Stage Shell Holder is engineered to mitigate these risks, providing a stable and precise platform that allows your dies to perform their functions flawlessly.

Precision Engineering: The RCBS Advantage

When choosing reloading equipment, the brand reputation for precision and durability is key. RCBS has been a trusted name in the reloading community for decades, synonymous with quality and innovation. The RCBS #20 Shell Holder is a prime example of their commitment to excellence, crafted from hardened steel to withstand the repetitive forces of reloading.

• Hardened Steel Construction: Why does material matter for a shell holder? The forces exerted during resizing and seating operations are significant. Soft metals would quickly deform, compromising the shell holder's ability to maintain a tight grip and precise alignment. RCBS uses hardened steel, ensuring exceptional longevity and consistent performance over thousands of reloading cycles. This means your investment in an RCBS shell holder is an investment in years of reliable, precise reloading.
• Optimal Case Head Capture: A critical design feature of this RCBS shell holder is its ability to capture 0.125 inch of the case head. This specific depth is not arbitrary; it's engineered to ensure proper SAAMI (Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute) headspacing. What does proper headspacing mean for your reloads? It means that when the cartridge is chambered in your firearm, it seats correctly, allowing the firing pin to reliably strike the primer and ensuring safe and consistent ignition. Incorrect headspacing can lead to misfires, excessive case stretching, or even dangerous over-pressure situations. The precise design of the RCBS #20 directly contributes to safe and compliant ammunition.
• Designed for Single-Stage and Turret Presses: This shell holder is universally compatible with most single-stage and turret reloading presses, making it a versatile addition to any reloader's bench. Whether you're using an RCBS Rock Chucker, a Summit, a Partner, or another brand of press, the #20 shell holder will integrate seamlessly, providing consistent performance.

Delving into Caliber Compatibility: .45 Colt (LC) and .454 Casull

The RCBS #20 is specifically designed for two distinct yet related revolver cartridges: the .45 Colt (also known as .45 Long Colt or .45 LC) and the potent .454 Casull.

• .45 Colt (LC): A Historic & Versatile Cartridge: The .45 Colt is a legendary cartridge, originally developed in 1872. It’s known for its versatility, being used in countless revolvers and even some lever-action rifles. Reloading the .45 Colt allows enthusiasts to tailor loads for everything from Cowboy Action Shooting with mild, lead bullet loads to powerful hunting loads capable of taking medium game. The large case capacity offers a wide range of powder choices, making it a favorite for those who enjoy experimenting to find optimal performance. Precise shell holding for this classic round ensures that cases are properly sized and expanded for reliable bullet seating and consistent crimping, which is crucial for retaining the bullet during recoil and ensuring proper powder burn.
• .454 Casull: Unbridled Power: The .454 Casull is a high-performance, high-pressure cartridge developed in 1957 by Dick Casull and Jack Fulmer. It is significantly more powerful than the .45 Colt, designed for hunting large game and for defense against dangerous animals. The .454 Casull operates at much higher pressures, making the precision and consistency of reloading components even more critical for safety and performance. Because the .454 Casull shares the same base diameter as the .45 Colt, the #20 shell holder is perfectly suited for both, demonstrating its adaptability while maintaining the rigorous precision required for high-pressure rounds. When reloading .454 Casull, precise case alignment is paramount to prevent pressure issues and ensure the structural integrity of the reloaded round.

The fact that the #20 shell holder caters to both these calibers highlights its robust design and the shared foundational dimensions of these cartridges, even with their vastly different power levels.

How Does the RCBS #20 Shell Holder Fit into Your Reloading Process?

Let’s walk through the typical single-stage reloading sequence and understand the shell holder’s pivotal role:

• Case Preparation: After cleaning your fired brass, the first step is usually decapping and resizing. The shell holder firmly grips the case head as it enters the sizing die, pushing out the spent primer and bringing the case back to its correct dimensions.
• Priming: Some presses have integrated priming systems, while others use a separate hand primer or priming tool. In many setups, the shell holder will present the case for a new primer to be seated.
• Powder Charging: While the case is often removed from the press for powder charging (depending on your setup), it’s crucial that the case was properly sized and expanded in previous steps – a consistency the shell holder helps maintain.
• Bullet Seating: The shell holder again secures the case as the bullet is guided into the case mouth and seated to the correct depth by the seating die. This is where precision prevents issues like crooked bullets or inconsistent overall cartridge length (OAL).
• Crimping: Finally, whether a separate crimp die is used or if crimping is integrated into the bullet seating die, the shell holder maintains the case's stability as the mouth is crimped around the bullet, ensuring proper bullet retention and consistent powder ignition.

Throughout each of these critical stages, the RCBS #20 Single Stage Shell Holder provides the unwavering stability and precise alignment necessary for producing high-quality, safe, and accurate reloaded ammunition.

Beyond the Basics: The Benefits of Investing in Quality Reloading Tools

Why should you choose an RCBS shell holder over other options?

• Enhanced Safety: A consistent, precise shell holder minimizes the risk of reloading errors that can lead to unsafe ammunition.
• Superior Accuracy: By ensuring perfectly aligned components, the RCBS #20 contributes to more consistent bullet seating and case dimensions, directly translating to improved accuracy downrange.
• Equipment Longevity: Reduced strain on your press and dies means your valuable reloading equipment will last longer, saving you money in the long run.
• Reloading Efficiency: Smooth, reliable operation means fewer frustrating jams or misfeeds, making your reloading sessions more productive and enjoyable.
• Cost Savings: While the initial investment in quality tools like the RCBS #20 is necessary, handloading drastically reduces the cost per round, allowing you to shoot more for less. This shell holder is a small but mighty piece of that cost-saving puzzle.
• Customization: Handloading allows you to tailor ammunition to your specific firearm and shooting discipline, optimizing performance far beyond what factory ammunition can offer. The precision provided by tools like this shell holder is fundamental to achieving those custom loads.

Who Will Benefit Most from the RCBS #20 Shell Holder?

• New Reloaders: If you’re just starting your handloading journey with a single-stage or turret press and plan to load .45 Colt or .454 Casull, this shell holder is an essential first purchase. Its reliability simplifies the learning curve.
• Experienced Reloaders: Even seasoned pros will appreciate the consistent quality and durability that RCBS delivers. Replacing worn components with trusted brands like RCBS ensures continued precision.
• Competitive Shooters: Consistency is king in competition. The precise alignment offered by this shell holder helps achieve the tight tolerances needed for match-grade ammunition.
• Hunters: Reliability and accuracy are paramount when hunting. Handloaded ammunition optimized with precise tools provides the confidence needed for ethical and successful hunts.

Maintaining Your RCBS #20 Shell Holder

Like any precision tool, your shell holder benefits from proper care. After each reloading session, wipe it clean to remove any powder residue, carbon, or sizing lube. Store it in a dry place to prevent rust. With minimal care, your RCBS #20 Shell Holder will provide reliable service for many years, a testament to its robust construction.

The RCBS #20 Single Stage Shell Holder is more than just an accessory; it's a critical foundation for safe, accurate, and consistent ammunition reloading for your .45 Colt and .454 Casull firearms. Its hardened steel construction, precise SAAMI headspacing capture, and compatibility with common presses make it an indispensable part of any reloader’s bench. Invest in the quality and precision that RCBS offers, and experience the difference in every round you load. This essential tool, along with a wide array of other high-quality reloading components, is available for your convenience at DEGuns.

RCBS #20 Shell Holder Specifications

Feature	Detail
Brand	RCBS
Series	Shell Holder
Model Type	Single Stage
Caliber (s)	.45 Colt (LC), .454 Casull
Function	Ammunition Case Holder
Material	Hardened Steel
Size	#20
Finish	Silver
Weight	4 oz
SKU	9220
UPC	076683092205