The L.E. Wilson neck sizing die bushing 246 is a hardened stainless steel component built for reloaders who demand precision and control over neck tension. If you're running a progressive or single-stage press with L.E. Wilson dies, this bushing lets you fine-tune how snugly the die grips your case neck—critical for consistent bullet seating and reliable accuracy. Wilson manufactures these bushings in .001" increments, giving you granular options to dial in the exact fit your reloading setup needs.
Neck tension isn't one-size-fits-all. Brass hardening, spring-back variation, and different projectile tolerances all affect how much "squeeze" you want. This bushing is marked with its nominal size, which corresponds to the middle of the bore (reamed with a .003" taper). You can flip it over—markings facing toward the case instead of away—to shift your sizing slightly tighter, a trick that works well when brass has work-hardened or when you need fine-tuning without stepping down to the next smaller bushing size. Made to specs comparable to Redding neck bushings, it integrates seamlessly into L.E. Wilson die systems. Note: these bushings are not compatible with Forster or RCBS dies.
Selecting the right size is straightforward. Measure your loaded cartridge's outside neck diameter and subtract .002" to .003"—that margin accounts for normal brass spring-back and ensures proper neck tension. Alternatively, measure case neck wall thickness, double it, add your bullet diameter, and subtract .002" to .003". Either method gets you close; small adjustments from there dial it in perfectly.
Key Features
- Hardened stainless steel construction for durability and repeatability
- Made in .001" size increments for precise neck tension control
- Reversible design allows fine-tuning without buying additional bushings
- .003" taper reamed bore for consistent bushing performance
- Compatible with L.E. Wilson neck sizing dies
Specifications
| Brand | L.E. Wilson |
| Product Type | Neck Sizing Die Bushing |
| Bushing Size | 246 |
| Material | Hardened Stainless Steel |
| Size Increment | .001" |
| Bore Taper | .003" |
| Compatibility | L.E. Wilson neck sizing dies only (not compatible with Forster or RCBS) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this bushing work with my Forster or RCBS dies?
No. L.E. Wilson neck bushings are not compatible with Forster or RCBS die systems. You must be using L.E. Wilson neck sizing dies for this bushing to function properly.
How do I know what bushing size I need?
Measure the outside neck diameter of your loaded cartridge and subtract .002" to .003"—that gives you the bushing size needed and accounts for brass spring-back. Alternatively, measure your case neck wall thickness, multiply by two, add your bullet diameter, and subtract .002" to .003". The result is your target bushing size.
Can I use this bushing in two different ways to get tighter sizing?
Yes. The bushing can be flipped so the markings face toward the case (instead of away) to achieve slightly tighter sizing. This is useful for fine-tuning without purchasing the next smaller bushing, especially if your brass has hardened and springs back more than expected.
How are these bushings made differently than other brands?
L.E. Wilson manufactures their bushings in .001" increments with a .003" taper reamed bore. They are made to specs comparable to Redding neck bushings and are designed to integrate seamlessly into L.E. Wilson die systems for repeatable, precise neck tension control.
