GOLD MEDAL DIES P R O D U C T I N S T R U C T I O N S
IMPORTANT: READ THIS SECTION FIRST Before using the RCBS Gold Medal die, read this 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, but do not clearly understand the described operation, call us at 1-800-533-5000 and a technician will assist you.
• Do not deprime live primers. • Never attempt to seat or reseat a primer in a loaded round. • Store primers and powder beyond the reach of children and away from heat, dampness, open flames and electrical equipment. • DO NOT use primers of unknown identity. Scrap unknown primers in accordance with applicable regulations. • Keep primers in original factory container until ready to use. Return unused primers to the same factory packaging for safety and to preserve their identity.
INTRODUCTION RCBS Gold Medal dies are manufactured for the most demanding competitive marksmen, precision shooters, varmint and big game hunters. They offer features not available on standard RCBS reloading dies. First, the Sizer Die uses changeable neck bushings, available in .001" increments, to allow you to control the precise amount of neck tension desired. The Seater Die features a micrometer bullet seating head that lets you dial the seating depth you want.
die. Should the die perform unsatisfactorily, call or write to RCBS, explaining the problem in detail. Be sure to mention the caliber of dies and the year of manufacture. 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. RCBS Customer Service 605 Oro Dam Blvd. Oroville, CA 95965-5718 rcbs.tech@atk.
Important: We find that most scratching of the interior of a die is caused by grit on the brass surface. 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 firearm. The RCBS Sidewinder Case Tumbler and Vibratory Case Cleaner are recommended for cleaning cases.
are available from your retailer as individual items or combined in the RCBS Case Lube Kit. Do not lubricate the shoulders of bottle-neck type cases. Spray lubes will coat the shoulders but will not cause problems unless too much spray lube is applied. After the cases are properly lubricated they are ready to go through the reloading steps. SHELL HOLDERS The Gold Medal dies are designed to be used with standard RCBS shell holders. The .22 Hornet and .
set the die 1/8 to 1/4 turn further down so the press cams over center. Set the large lock ring and tighten the setscrew with a setscrew wrench. Remove the Neck Bushing retainer and insert your selected diameter Neck Bushing. Neck Bushings must be installed so that you can read what is stamped on its side, do not install upside down (see photo 1, right). The Decap Rod assembly comes with an Expander (Photo 1) Ball/Decap Pin Holder installed to allow for the proper preparation of a new lot of brass.
The amount of the case neck that is resized is adjustable by adjusting the Neck Bushing retainer upwards. This allows the Neck Bushing to move upwards before neck resizing begins. A full turn is approximately .0712", this creates a double diameter neck with the base of the case neck further helping to center the cartridge in the chamber of the firearm. NECK RESIZING (Photo 2) The Gold Medal Neck Sizing die only resizes the neck of the case. It does not touch the body of the case or change headspace.
During firing, cases expand to fill the chamber or your firearm, after the bullet has left the muzzle, pressures drop and the cases shrink slightly to allow extraction from the chamber. The case, with some shrinkage, is now an accurate representation of the chamber of your firearm. This initial expansion of the case can change headspace by .005" or more. Rather than fully resizing the headspace and case dimensions back to SAAMI minimum, you can simply "bump" it back a few thousandths to insure chambering.
to near its maximum adjustment. Insert the die into the press screwing it down to almost touch the shell holder. Longer bodied cases require the Seater die body to be adjusted higher in the press. Position the window of the die to the front and set the lock ring. Insert the bullet, base first, into the bullet guide (see photo 3 at left) and complete the bullet seating operation. Turn the thimble clockwise until the bullet is seated to the proper (Photo 4) depth (see photo 4 at right).
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.
