The L.E. Wilson Steel Neck Sizer Die Bushing .252 is a precision reloading component for handloaders who demand control over neck tension and brass fit. Built from hardened stainless steel, this bushing is part of Wilson's reputation for tight tolerances and consistency—manufactured in .001" increments to give you repeatable, reliable sizing. If you're working with a Wilson neck-sizing die and need exact control over how much your case necks grip the bullet, this bushing gives you options most off-the-shelf reloading gear doesn't.
The .252 marking indicates the middle diameter of the bushing, which is reamed with a .003" taper. That taper is key: it means sizing happens gradually as the case enters, not all at once. For most reloading, you'll use the bushing in standard orientation. But if your brass has hardened and won't hold tension anymore, or if you want to fine-tune neck squeeze without stepping down to the next smaller bushing, you can flip it over—markings facing the case—to achieve slightly tighter sizing. It's a practical design detail that gives experienced reloaders an extra lever they won't find on every bushing.
Worth knowing: these Wilson bushings are not compatible with Forster or RCBS dies. They're engineered to pair with L.E. Wilson sizing dies and share the same dimensional standard as Redding bushings. If you're building a precision reloading setup or upgrading an existing Wilson die, verify your die model before ordering. Selecting the right bushing size is straightforward—measure your loaded cartridge's neck diameter and subtract .002" to .003" to account for brass springback, or use case neck wall thickness and bullet diameter to calculate it. Either way, you'll get the neck tension that makes your loads shoot consistently.
