Mec Mayville Progressive 1 1/8 Ounce Charge Bar 502118 Review

Inside the Experience: Mec Mayville Progressive 1 1/8 Ounce Charge Bar 502118

For anyone delving into the intricacies of reloading, consistency and accuracy are paramount. The Mec Mayville Progressive 1 1/8 Ounce Charge Bar 502118 promises to deliver just that, by precisely measuring powder and shot by volume. This component is designed to be a critical part of your reloading setup, offering a progressive approach to handling both key components of a shotgun shell.

My journey to acquiring this particular charge bar was driven by a persistent quest for repeatability in my reloads. I was tired of slight variations in powder charges affecting shot-to-shot consistency, and the idea of a charge bar that handled both powder and shot in one progressive action was highly appealing. It represented a potential step up in efficiency and accuracy for my reloading process.

Upon receiving the Mec Mayville Progressive 1 1/8 Ounce Charge Bar 502118, my first impression was one of solid, utilitarian construction. It has a reassuring heft, indicative of durable materials. The finish is smooth and without obvious flaws, suggesting good manufacturing standards.

While I briefly considered other charge bar manufacturers, MEC has a long-standing reputation in the reloading world that I trust. Their commitment to producing reliable reloading equipment made this specific model an easy choice for me. I was cautiously optimistic, hoping it would live up to the brand’s legacy and my expectations for improved reloads.

First Use Experience

My initial foray with the Mec Mayville Progressive 1 1/8 Ounce Charge Bar 502118 took place on my meticulously organized reloading bench. This is where the magic of accurate ammunition preparation happens, and introducing a new component requires a focused approach. I was eager to see how it integrated with my existing setup and performed under initial load cycles.

The charge bar was surprisingly intuitive to install and operate. There was no steep learning curve, which is always a relief when dealing with critical reloading components. It slid into place smoothly and felt secure, ready for its task.

One minor surprise was how cleanly it dropped the powder and shot. There was no clumping or hesitation, which is crucial for maintaining consistent volumes. This initial ease of use suggested that the Mec Mayville Progressive 1 1/8 Ounce Charge Bar 502118 was indeed designed with the user in mind.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several hundred rounds loaded using the Mec Mayville Progressive 1 1/8 Ounce Charge Bar 502118, its performance has remained remarkably consistent. It has handled a variety of powder types and shot sizes without any noticeable degradation in accuracy or ease of operation. The progressive nature of the bar significantly speeds up the reloading process, which is a welcome benefit during longer reloading sessions.

Durability has been excellent. Despite the frequent cycling and exposure to fine powder dust that’s common in any reloading area, there are no signs of wear and tear. The materials used seem robust enough to withstand years of regular use.

Maintenance is straightforward; a quick wipe-down with a soft cloth after each major reloading session is all that’s needed. The soft insert, mentioned as a feature for larger shot sizes, is still intact and functioning as intended, preventing any shearing issues even with harder lead shot. Compared to some generic volume dispensers I’ve used in the past, this MEC component feels like it’s built to last.

Breaking Down the Features of Mec Mayville Progressive 1 1/8 Ounce Charge Bar 502118

Specifications

The Mec Mayville Progressive 1 1/8 Ounce Charge Bar 502118 boasts a precisely calibrated 1 1/8 ounce weight capacity for shot. This charge bar is designed to measure powder by volume, a crucial aspect for reloading consistency. It also incorporates a feature to measure shot, streamlining the process.

A significant detail is that all charge bars shipped after January 1990 include a soft insert. This is a vital specification for users who work with larger shot sizes or harder lead shot, as it is designed to help eliminate shearing. The manufacturer, MEC, indicates this is a single unit quantity.

These specifications translate directly into practical benefits for the reloader. The 1 1/8 ounce measurement is a common and versatile load for many shotgun applications, making this charge bar suitable for a wide range of users. The volume-based powder measurement, rather than weight, is standard for many progressive reloading systems and relies on the specific gravity of the powder being used. The inclusion of the soft insert directly addresses potential problems with shot deformation, ensuring a more consistent and reliable finished round.

Performance & Functionality

The core function of the Mec Mayville Progressive 1 1/8 Ounce Charge Bar 502118 is to deliver consistent volumetric powder charges and precise shot drops. In this regard, it performs exceptionally well. The drops are consistently uniform, leading to noticeably more uniform finished loads.

The primary strength of this charge bar is its reliability and accuracy in dispensing both powder and shot. It smoothly transitions between measuring each component, reducing the time and effort required per shell. A minor weakness, if one could call it that, is that powder volume measurements are inherently less precise than weight measurements for powders with widely varying densities. However, for common reloading powders, this volumetric measurement is highly predictable once calibrated.

Overall, this charge bar meets and often exceeds expectations, especially considering its price point. It delivers the kind of dependable performance that reloaders seek for producing consistent ammunition.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Mec Mayville Progressive 1 1/8 Ounce Charge Bar 502118 is a testament to functional simplicity. It’s a solid piece of machined metal, built for durability and repeated use in a reloading press environment. The finish is smooth, which aids in the clean release of powder and shot.

Ergonomically, it’s designed to be part of a larger mechanism, so its “in-hand” feel is less critical than its integration into the press. However, the smooth surfaces and absence of sharp edges contribute to a safe and pleasant operation during the reloading cycle. The clearly marked charge bar slot ensures it can only be installed in the correct orientation.

Practical design elements like the consistent internal dimensions are paramount here. They ensure that each drop, whether powder or shot, is as identical as the last. This attention to detail in manufacturing is what makes it a reliable component.

Durability & Maintenance

In terms of durability, the Mec Mayville Progressive 1 1/8 Ounce Charge Bar 502118 is built to last. It’s constructed from materials that resist wear and corrosion, common issues in a reloading environment where fine dust and lubricants are present. I anticipate this charge bar will remain a reliable part of my setup for many years.

Maintenance is as simple as it gets. A brief cleaning after each significant reloading session is sufficient. Ensuring that no powder residue or shot debris remains trapped within the channels is key to maintaining its consistent performance.

There are no apparent failure points or areas of concern. The solid construction and thoughtful design, particularly the soft insert, suggest that it’s engineered to handle the stresses of regular use without issue.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Mec Mayville Progressive 1 1/8 Ounce Charge Bar 502118 is a component designed to work within a specific MEC reloading press system. As such, it typically does not come with additional accessories. Its functionality is self-contained within its design as a charge bar.

There are generally no direct customization options for the charge bar itself, such as interchangeable nozzles or tunable settings beyond the initial calibration. However, it’s important to note that it is designed to work with specific MEC models, so compatibility is key. Ensuring you have the correct MEC press that accepts this particular charge bar size is the primary consideration.

Pros and Cons of Mec Mayville Progressive 1 1/8 Ounce Charge Bar 502118

Who Should Buy Mec Mayville Progressive 1 1/8 Ounce Charge Bar 502118?

This charge bar is an excellent choice for any reloader who uses a compatible MEC progressive press and frequently loads 12-gauge shotgun shells with a 1 1/8 ounce shot charge. If you are looking to improve consistency and speed up your reloading process, this component is a worthwhile upgrade or replacement. It’s particularly beneficial for those who reload for trap, skeet, or other clay sports where shot-to-shot uniformity is highly valued.

Individuals who should likely skip this specific charge bar are those who do not own a compatible MEC press, or who exclusively load shells with significantly different shot weights. Reloaders who prioritize absolute weight-based powder measurement for every single charge might also consider a scale-based system, though this charge bar offers excellent volumetric consistency. For those using other brands of presses or needing different shot volumes, exploring other MEC charge bars or alternative manufacturers would be necessary.

For optimal use, ensuring your MEC press is properly adjusted and that you’ve performed initial calibration with your chosen powder is crucial. Some users might also benefit from having a powder funnel if their press design requires it for the powder drop.

Conclusion on Mec Mayville Progressive 1 1/8 Ounce Charge Bar 502118

The Mec Mayville Progressive 1 1/8 Ounce Charge Bar 502118 stands as a testament to MEC‘s reputation for producing reliable and effective reloading components. Its ability to consistently measure both powder and shot makes it an invaluable asset for any reloader seeking uniformity and efficiency. The inclusion of the soft insert is a thoughtful touch that enhances its usability with a wider range of shot sizes.

Considering its robust build quality, dependable performance, and the significant impact it has on the reloading process, the $43.99 price point represents excellent value. It’s an investment that pays dividends in the form of more consistent ammunition and a smoother reloading experience.

I wholeheartedly recommend the Mec Mayville Progressive 1 1/8 Ounce Charge Bar 502118 to any reloader equipped with a compatible MEC press looking to perfect their 1 1/8 ounce loads. If you’re aiming for greater consistency on the range and a more streamlined reloading bench, this charge bar is a solid choice that will not disappoint.