RCBS X-Die Small Base 2 Die Set .308 Winchester

• X-Die case-growth control: The X-Die system is designed to let bottleneck rifle brass be trimmed once and then used through repeated loading cycles with far less need for trimming, which reduces case-prep time for high-volume .308 Winchester loading.
• Small base sizing for reliable chambering: The small base sizer resizes brass slightly more than a standard full-length die, helping ammunition feed and chamber more consistently in semi-automatic rifles and other tighter chambers.
• Two-die loading workflow: With a dedicated sizing/decapping die and a standard seating die, the set covers the core steps needed for bottleneck rifle cartridge loading while keeping setup straightforward on a single-stage or turret press.
• Steel die construction: Steel die bodies provide the durability needed for repeated sizing and seating work, making the set suitable for regular reloading sessions with .308 Winchester and 7.62x51mm cases.
• Built for boxer-primed rifle cases: The die geometry is made for bottleneck boxer rifle brass, giving reloaders a cartridge-specific setup for consistent case preparation and bullet seating.

About the X-Die Series

RCBS X-Die sets are built for reloaders who want to reduce one of the most repetitive parts of bottleneck rifle case preparation: frequent trimming. Within the RCBS die lineup, the X-Die series sits alongside conventional full-length and small base dies, but adds a patented case-growth control system that changes how brass behaves over repeated loading cycles. After an initial trim, the die is designed to limit further case growth, which makes it especially useful for shooters who load in volume and want a more efficient bench routine.

The series is aimed at rifle handloaders using bottleneck cartridges for hunting, target shooting, and practical or service-rifle use. Depending on the version, X-Die sets are offered in standard full-length and small base configurations, so reloaders can choose between general-purpose sizing and a tighter sizing approach better suited to semi-autos or rifles with less forgiving chambers. The defining characteristic of the family is not simply that it sizes brass, but that it combines sizing with a system intended to maintain case length more consistently over time. That makes the X-Die concept particularly appealing where loading efficiency, repeatability, and dependable chambering matter as much as raw output.

About the RCBS X-Die Small Base 2 Die Set .308 Winchester

The RCBS X-Die Small Base 2 Die Set .308 Winchester is tailored to reloaders working with .308 Winchester and 7.62x51mm brass who want dependable function together with less case-maintenance work. Its biggest advantage is the combination of the X-Die sizing concept with a small base sizer. In practice, that means the die not only controls case growth after the initial trim, but also resizes the case body a little more than a standard full-length die. For ammunition intended for semi-automatic rifles or rifles with tighter chambers, that extra sizing margin can improve feeding and chambering consistency.

The set includes the two core dies needed for this cartridge family: a sizing die that handles full-length sizing, decapping, and the X-Die case-growth control function, plus a standard bullet seating die. This keeps the loading process simple while still addressing the main needs of bottleneck rifle brass. For reloaders producing larger batches of .308 ammunition, the practical benefit is a workflow that spends less time returning cases to trim length and more time on charging, seating, and final inspection.

Because it is a steel 2-die set made for boxer-primed rifle cases, it suits regular bench use and repeated setup cycles. The .308 caliber format also makes it relevant across a wide range of applications, from hunting ammunition to range and training loads. The result is a die set that focuses on two things that matter in real use: reliable cartridge fit and a more efficient brass-prep routine.

About RCBS

RCBS was founded in 1943 by Fred T. Huntington in Oroville, California. The company name came from “Rock Chuck Bullet Swage,” the original bullet-swaging die that started the business. From that beginning, RCBS grew into a specialist in ammunition handloading equipment, with product lines that include dies, presses, shell holders, powder measures, and priming tools.

RCBS specializes in rifle and pistol reloading equipment and offers single-stage, turret, and progressive presses for different loading volumes and workflows. The brand continues to manufacture reloading tools in Oroville, California, and in 2024 it became a brand of Hodgdon Powder Company. In the reloading category, RCBS is known for practical tool design and for maintaining a broad catalog that supports both new handloaders and experienced reloaders building precise ammunition for specific firearms.

Main Features

• Manufacturer: RCBS
• Made in: USA
• Pack size: 2 die set
• Die operation: Bullet seating, Decapping, Full length sizing
• Die type: Standard
• Bushing: No
• Case body design: Bottle neck
• Case type: Boxer, Rifle
• Sizing die material: Steel
• Adjustment: Standard
• Bullet Diameter (mm).: 7.82 mm
• Bullet Diameter (inch).: 308.00 inch
• Compatible calibers: .308 Winchester, 7.62x51mm

Warranty

2 years. RCBS states a two-year warranty for this die set, covering the product for the specified period from purchase.

In the Box

• X-Die small base sizer die
• Standard seater die