Redding 73 Style Steel Neck Sizing Bushing .268 (73268)

Description

This is the .268 diameter neck sizing bushing in Redding's 73 style steel lineup, the little component that lets you dial in exactly how much your case necks get worked. Instead of oversizing brass and springing it back out with an expander like a conventional die does, a bushing sizes the neck in one pass to the diameter you choose. That means less stress on the brass, better case life, and the kind of repeatable neck tension that shows up on paper when you're chasing small groups.

Where the .268 Redding Steel Bushing Fits

These bushings carry the standard Redding external dimensions of 1/2 inch outside diameter by 3/8 inch long, so they drop right into any Redding bushing style neck sizing die, Type S sizer, or Competition die. They also interchange with L.E. Wilson style bushings, which is handy if you run a mix of equipment on the bench. Each one is clearly marked with its size ID so you're never guessing which bushing is in your hand.

Picking the Right Bushing Size

Sizing a neck is all about measuring. The usual method is to measure the outside diameter of a loaded cartridge neck with a bullet seated, then subtract about .001 to .002 inch to allow for brass spring back and proper bullet grip. The .268 works out well for a number of popular chamberings depending on your brass and neck wall thickness, and since Redding offers these in .001 inch increments across the full range, you can fine tune tension to the exact feel you want.

How the 73 Style Steel Bushing Is Made

Redding machines these from heat treated steel and hand-polishes the sizing diameter to a surface hardness of Rc 60 to 62. That hard, slick finish is what keeps sizing effort down and, with a lightly lubed neck, leaves the brass free of marks. It's a simple piece of kit, but it's the heart of a precision neck sizing setup and it's made in the USA to the tolerances handloaders expect from Redding.