What is the initial step in full-length sizing die setup?

The initial step in setting up a full-length sizing die involves inserting the shellholder into the press's ram. This step is crucial because it establishes the basic working environment for the die, ensuring that the press can properly engage with the cartridge case that will be resized. The shellholder captures the base of the cartridge, providing stable support as the ram operates, which is essential for effective and consistent resizing.

Once the shellholder is securely in place, further adjustments can be made, like adjusting the sizing die height, but this initial action is foundational. It effectively prepares the press for subsequent steps in the reloading process, emphasizing the importance of starting with a stable platform. The other options, such as setting up the powder dispenser or calibrating the scale, are important tasks in the reloading process; however, they are not the first steps involved in the die setup.