The Redding #18 Competition Shellholder Set provides precise control over cartridge headspace and die-to-shellholder standoff depth without requiring constant adjustments to the sizing die. Featuring heat-treated, precision-machined alloy steel construction with a distinct black oxide finish, this 5-piece set allows handloaders to maintain solid die cam-over and mechanical press leverage while altering sizing depth in exact increments of +0.002", +0.004", +0.006", +0.008", and +0.010" above nominal SAAMI baseline dimensions.

Key Features

• Incremental Depth Indexing: Delivers 5 matched shellholders graduated in precise 0.002-inch increments to match brass sizing depth directly to specific firearm chambers.
• Die Cam-Over Repeatability: Sizing dies bottom out squarely against the shellholder face, eliminating press deflection and ensuring uniform headspace without threading dies up or down.
• Black Oxide Finish: Differentiates competition shellholders from standard silver Redding units to prevent cross-mixing during reloading sessions.
• Universal Snap-In Compatibility: Integrates directly into standard single-stage and turret reloading press rams without electrical or proprietary tooling requirements.
• Protective Storage: Ships in a dedicated plastic storage box with clearly etched height markings on each shellholder.

Specifications

• Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): 11618
• Set Configuration: 5-piece matched set (+0.002", +0.004", +0.006", +0.008", and +0.010" deck height over standard baseline)
• Material: Heat-treated alloy steel with black oxide finish
• Press Fitment: Universal snap-in ram slot (Redding Big Boss/T-7, RCBS Rock Chucker, Lyman, Lee single-stage and turret presses)
• Calibre Compatibility: Cartridges sharing the #18 rim profile, including .45-70 Government, .40-65 WCF, .45-90 WCF, .45-110 Sharps, .45-120 Sharps, .30-378 Weatherby Magnum, .338-378 Weatherby Magnum, .378 Weatherby Magnum, .416 Weatherby Magnum, .460 Weatherby Magnum, and .450 Dakota
• Operating Temperature Envelope: Standard workshop conditions (-10°C to +50°C)

Who is the Redding #18 Competition Shellholder Set - 45/70 for?

• Precision Handloaders Reloading .45-70 Government Cartridges — Indexes straight-wall .45-70 Government brass sizing depth using calibrated increments from +0.002 inches to +0.010 inches above SAAMI baseline, ensuring repeatable full-length sizing contact across single-stage reloading press setups without die repositioning.
• Handloaders Managing Shoulder Bump for Weatherby Magnum Cartridges — Sets precise shoulder-bump dimensions for large bottlenecked magnums using the #18 rim, shifting shoulder datum setbacks in five distinct steps from +0.002 inches up to +0.010 inches to match fireformed brass to custom chambers and extend case working life.

Less suitable for: Reloaders operating proprietary progressive presses without single-stage adapters, or handloaders whose chambers require more than 0.010-inch standoff or sizing below nominal SAAMI baseline deck height, who require custom-machined shellholders or specially modified sizing dies instead.