The L.E. Wilson Steel Neck Sizer Die Bushing .249 is a precision reloading component designed for handloaders who demand consistent neck tension and tight tolerances. Built from hardened stainless steel, this bushing works with L.E. Wilson neck sizer dies to resize fired case necks while preserving case life and improving accuracy. If you're running a precision rifle load and need repeatable, controlled neck fit, this bushing gives you the fine-tuning capability that separates good ammunition from match-grade rounds.
L.E. Wilson manufactures these bushings in .001" increments, and the marked size refers to the middle bore, which is reamed with a .003" taper. The design allows two sizing approaches: use the bushing normally (markings facing up) for standard sizing, or flip it over (markings facing down) to achieve slightly tighter sizing when fine-tuning neck tension or when brass has hardened and lost tension. This dual-orientation feature is invaluable for extending case life and dialing in loads that hold bullets with precision.
Selection is straightforward: measure your loaded cartridge's outside neck diameter and subtract .002" to .003" to account for brass spring-back, or calculate from case neck wall thickness, bullet diameter, and a .002" to .003" tension margin. Because Wilson bushings are made to specs similar to Redding equivalents, they deliver the same class of precision—but they are not compatible with Forster or RCBS neck sizer dies, so verify your die manufacturer before ordering.
Whether you're assembling match ammunition for a bolt gun, tuning an accuracy load, or managing work-hardened brass, this steel bushing gives you the control to maintain tight neck tension and improve consistency from round to round.
Key Features
- Hardened stainless steel construction for durability and precision
- Manufactured in .001" increments for precise sizing control
- Dual-orientation design: use normally or flip for tighter sizing on hardened brass
- .003" taper bore for controlled neck tension
- Works with L.E. Wilson neck sizer dies
- Not compatible with Forster or RCBS dies
Specifications
| Brand | L.E. Wilson |
| Product Type | Neck Sizer Die Bushing |
| Bushing Size | .249" |
| Material | Hardened Stainless Steel |
| Bore Taper | .003" |
| Sizing Increment | .001" |
| Die Compatibility | L.E. Wilson neck sizer dies only |
Frequently Asked Questions
What die bodies does this bushing work with?
The L.E. Wilson Steel Neck Sizer Die Bushing .249 is designed for L.E. Wilson neck sizer dies. It is not compatible with Forster or RCBS neck sizer dies, so confirm your die manufacturer before purchasing.
How do I choose the right bushing size?
Measure the outside neck diameter of a loaded test cartridge and subtract .002" to .003" to allow for brass spring-back. Alternatively, measure your case neck wall thickness, double it, add your bullet diameter, and subtract .002" to .003" for proper neck tension. The marked size on the bushing refers to the bore diameter at the middle section.
What does "flipping" the bushing do?
By default, use the bushing with markings facing up (toward the ram). Flipping it so markings face down (toward the case) reduces the sizing diameter slightly, providing tighter neck tension. This is useful for fine-tuning loads or managing hardened brass that has lost tension and springs back excessively.
What is the .003" taper?
The bushing bore is reamed with a .003" taper so the case neck only reaches the middle (marked) diameter. This design enables both normal and flipped-orientation sizing, and contributes to the controlled neck tension that L.E. Wilson bushings are known for.
