COWBOY DIES P R O D U C T I N S T R U C T I O N S
PARTS LIST FOR 3 DIE SET ➇ ➀ ➆ ➁ ➈ ➉ 1 11 ➂ ➅ ➃ ➅ ➄ Note: The photo above is not the actual RCBS Cowboy Die set, but represents the components of a three die set.
IMPORTANT: READ THIS SECTION FIRST Before using the RCBS Cowboy Dies, read the instruction manual carefully to fully learn how to safely operate the related reloading equipment. Failure to properly operate certain reloading equipment can result in severe personal injury and/or equipment damage. If you have read these instructions and still do not understand some operation, call us at 1-800533-5000 and a technician will assist you. This instruction manual contains specific safety and operating information.
packaging is designed to provide safe storage. • DO NOT store primers in bulk. The blast of just a few hundred primers is sufficient to cause serious injury to anyone nearby. • DO NOT force primers. Use care in handling primers. • DO NOT have more than one can of powder on the bench at one time. Powder cans should be stored away from the bench to avoid picking up the wrong one. • DO NOT use any powder unless its identity is positively known.
FEATURES RCBS Cowboy Dies match tough steel to the tough jobs. The die bodies are machined and hardened until they’re tough enough to meet our standards, yet smooth enough to handle the most delicate brass case. Sizer dies are vented to avoid case damage and are made to absolutely precise tolerances. And there’s extra muscle where it counts, in the headed decapping pin. Expander decapping units are designed so the decapping pin can be replaced, if necessary.
CUSTOMER SERVICE All RCBS Cowboy Dies are carefully checked and thoroughly inspected before shipping. Each die will reload fired cases from any standard chamber of the caliber stamped on the die. Should the die perform unsatisfactorily, call or write to RCBS, explaining the problem in detail. In most cases we can help you overcome the problem without the inconvenience and expense of returning the dies. If necessary, we will authorize the return of the dies. Do not attempt to alter the dies in any way.
nickel cases or grit on the brass surface. If you are using nickel pistol cases, we recommend that you use a carbide sizer die. This die is hard enough to resist the scratching that nickel cases cause. The best method for cleaning brass cases of grit is to tumble them. Tumbling the cases will clean the surface and prevent scratching the internal die surface. Your cases should be cleaned periodically to protect both your dies and the chamber of your firearms.
unit is adjusted correctly, the decapping pin will protrude below the bottom of the die just enough to reliably knock out the spent primer (approx. 1/4”). Trim cases after the sizing and expanding operation. We suggest trimming 10 thousandths less than the maximum length. The next step is to prime the case and then fill it with the predetermined powder charge. Then seat the bullet.
a sized case in the shell holder and run it into the expander die. The case mouth should be expanded and flared (belled) just The standard RCBS steel die is shown on the left. The carbide insert is visible in the enough to accept carbide sizer die on the right. the bullet when placed on top of the case. The expander is tapered and may be adjusted for more or less flaring (belling) by loosening the lock ring Seater dies in our 3-die sets on top of the die and turning the expander up or down.
seater plug until the proper depth (in the middle of the crimp groove) is obtained. Next, adjust the die to crimp. While the uncrimped cartridge is still in the seater die, unscrew the seater plug several turns. Screw the seater die downward until you feel it touch the mouth of the case. Lower the reloaded cartridge and adjust the seater die down about 1/8th of a turn. Run the reloaded cartridge into the die and then check the crimp.
Caliber 3-Die Full Length Set .25-20 Winchester .30-30 Winchester .32 S&W Long/.32 S&W .32 Winchester Special .32-20 Winchester .32-40 WCF .357 Magnum/.38 Spec. .38 S&W .38-40 WCF .38-55 Winchester .40-65 Winchester-410” .44 S&W Russian/.44 Special .44-40 WCF .45 S&W Schofield/.45 Colt .45-70 U.S.
PRECISIONEERED ® RELOADING EQUIPMENT We think that we make the very best reloading equipment in the world. If you agree, please tell your friends. If you disagree, tell us - we want to do something about it! Customer Service 1-800-533-5000 (US or Canada) or 530-533-5191 Hours: Monday - Thursday, 6:30am - 3:00pm (hours may vary) e-mail: rcbs.tech@atk.com • www.rcbs.com RCBS • 605 Oro Dam Blvd.
