The L.E. Wilson Steel Neck Sizer Die Bushing .286 is a hardened stainless steel neck bushing designed for reloaders who demand precision and control over case neck tension. Wilson's reputation for tight tolerances extends to these bushings, which are manufactured in .001" increments and reamed with a .003" taper. Whether you're fine-tuning loads for a precision rifle or managing brass that's begun to harden after multiple firings, this .286 bushing gives you the kind of hands-on control that separates good reloading from great reloading.
The marked size on the bushing refers to its middle diameter, a key detail that opens up a clever tuning option. When your brass springs back more than desired or won't hold bullets reliably, you can flip the bushing so the markings face the case (marking side down) to achieve slightly tighter sizing without stepping down to the next smaller bushing. This flexibility is invaluable when you're chasing that sweet spot of neck tension or dealing with work-hardened brass on a long reloading session.
These bushings are built to specs similar to Redding neck bushings, but they are not interchangeable with Forster or RCBS dies—make sure your sizing die is Wilson-compatible before ordering. Reloaders who already run L.E. Wilson dies will find this .286 bushing a natural fit for their setup.
Key Features
- Hardened stainless steel construction for durability and consistency
- Manufactured in .001" increments for precise sizing options
- .003" taper reamed into the bushing for controlled case neck contact
- Reversible design allows tighter sizing without changing bushings—flip to mark-side-down for fine-tuning
- Ideal for managing work-hardened brass or achieving custom neck tension on precision loads
- Compatible with L.E. Wilson sizing dies only
Specifications
| Brand | L.E. Wilson |
| Product Type | Steel Neck Sizer Die Bushing |
| Bushing Size | .286 |
| Material | Hardened stainless steel |
| Taper | .003" |
| Manufacturing Tolerance | .001" increments |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this bushing compatible with my Forster or RCBS sizing die?
No. L.E. Wilson neck bushings are not interchangeable with Forster or RCBS dies. Confirm that your sizing die is Wilson-compatible before ordering.
How do I choose the right bushing size?
Two methods work well: First, measure the outside neck diameter of a loaded cartridge and subtract .002" to .003" to allow for brass spring-back and correct neck tension. Alternatively, measure your case neck wall thickness, multiply by two, add your bullet diameter, and subtract .002" to .003".
Can I use this bushing for tighter sizing without buying a smaller one?
Yes. If your brass has work-hardened or won't hold bullets properly, flip the bushing so the markings face the case (markings down) to achieve slightly tighter sizing than normal orientation. This is an effective emergency adjustment when the next smaller bushing isn't necessary.
What is the .003" taper on this bushing?
The taper is reamed into the bushing's interior and works with the marked middle diameter to control how the bushing contacts your case neck, ensuring consistent and predictable neck tension across your reloading run.

