The L.E. Wilson Steel Neck Sizer Die Bushing .242 is a hardened stainless steel neck bushing engineered for handloaders who want precision control over case neck tension and bullet fit. If you're working with a Wilson neck sizer die, this bushing is the key to dialing in consistent, repeatable results—whether you're fine-tuning loads for accuracy or addressing brass that's work-hardened over multiple reloads.
Wilson manufactures their bushings in .001" increments, and the marked size represents the middle of the bushing. That middle section is reamed with a .003" taper, which means the bushing contacts your case neck only at its midpoint. This design gives you two sizing options: use it normally with markings facing away from the case for standard neck tension, or flip it over (markings facing the case) for a slightly tighter sizing when you need to compensate for brass springback. This reversibility can be a lifesaver when your brass has hardened and won't hold a bullet securely, or when you're chasing that last fraction of runout and want finer control than stepping down to the next smaller bushing provides.
These bushings are built to specs comparable to Redding neck bushings, but they are not compatible with Forster or RCBS dies, so verify your die brand before ordering. Selecting the right bushing size is straightforward: measure your loaded cartridge's outside neck diameter and subtract .002" to .003" for proper springback, or use the alternative method of measuring your case neck wall thickness, doubling it, adding your bullet diameter, and subtracting .002" to .003". Either approach gets you in the ballpark for neck tension that holds bullets securely without excessive squeeze.
Key Features
- Hardened stainless steel construction for durability and longevity
- Available in .001" size increments for precise neck tension adjustment
- .003" taper design contacts case neck at its midpoint for consistent control
- Reversible design—flip for tighter sizing when brass work-hardens
- Compatible with L.E. Wilson neck sizer dies
- Comparable specs to Redding neck bushings
Specifications
| Brand | L.E. Wilson |
| Product Type | Steel Neck Sizer Die Bushing |
| Bushing Size | .242 |
| Material | Hardened Stainless Steel |
| Taper | .003" taper |
| Sizing Increments | .001" |
| Compatibility | L.E. Wilson neck sizer dies; not compatible with Forster or RCBS dies |
Frequently Asked Questions
What die brand does this bushing work with?
This L.E. Wilson bushing is designed for L.E. Wilson neck sizer dies and is not compatible with Forster or RCBS dies. Verify your die brand before purchasing.
How do I select the correct bushing size?
Measure the outside neck diameter of a loaded cartridge and subtract .002" to .003" to allow for brass springback. Alternatively, measure your case neck wall thickness, double it, add your bullet diameter, and subtract .002" to .003". The marked size on the bushing represents its middle, where it makes contact with the case neck.
What does it mean to flip the bushing over, and when would I do that?
The bushing can be reversed so that the markings face toward the case instead of away from it. This flipped orientation creates slightly tighter sizing. Use this if your brass has work-hardened and won't hold bullets securely, or to fine-tune neck tension without stepping down to the next smaller bushing size.
How is the Wilson bushing design different from other brands?
Wilson bushings feature a .003" taper and contact the case neck only at the middle of the bushing. They are made in .001" increments and are comparable to Redding bushings in construction and performance, though they are not interchangeable with other brands' dies.
