[THe Dove]

Just bought RCBS 45 ACP carb die cast set. I can't figure out how to set up the third die (seating die)? Any help would be appreciated.:banghead:

The Dove

[Conqueror]

I have the same set, here's how I do it (as always, YMMV).

1) Put an expanded case (no bullet) in the shellholder and run the ram to the top.
2) Turn the seating plug almost all the way out of the die.
3) Screw the die into the press until it just makes contact with the case mouth, then back it out 1/4 turn. Lock the lock ring but don't crank it super tight yet.
4) Put a bullet in the case mouth and run the ram to the top again. Without moving the die, screw the seater plug in. Keep screwing it in and running the ram down and up after each adjustment - each adjustment will seat the bullet a bit deeper. STOP when the cartridge reaches your desired OAL (max of 1.275" according to Lee for .45ACP, but obviously yours may be shorter).
5) When the cartridge is the proper length, screw the seater plug way out again.
6) Run the loaded round to the top of the stroke. Now unlock the die and screw it down until it touches the case mouth again. Lower the ram and screw the die just a BIT farther in, then run the loaded round into it. Each small adjustment of the die downward adds a bit of crimp. Remove the crimped round after each adjustment. When the loaded round will smoothly drop into a chamber checker or the chamber of the pistol you are using, you have enough crimp. This method of stepwise adjustment lets you use just enough crimp to remove the bell from the expander die, but not too much to have excessive pressure. Once you have the correct amount of crimp, lock the die TIGHTLY in place.
7) Run the now-properly-crimped round to the top of the stroke again, and screw the seater plug down until it is touching the bullet. Lock it in place.

Now you can seat and crimp simultaneously - the die will apply a light crimp just as the bullet is reaching the proper seating depth.

[ArchAngelCD]

I know this is a Lee help video but shows you how to adjust the die and it's pretty much the same with all seating dies. A picture is worth a Thousand words.

Here (http://www.leeprecision.com/html/HelpVideos/videos/Pistol/pistol%20bs%20die-1.wmv) is one way to make the adjustments. And Here (http://www.leeprecision.com/html/HelpVideos/videos/Bullet%20seating%20die%20adjustment-1.wmv) is another. Both ways will work on any type of press.