MEC Outdoors Progressive Charge Bar 7/8 oz Red Steel: The Cornerstone of Consistent Shotshell Reloading

For serious shotgun reloaders, achieving unwavering consistency in every single round is not just a goal—it's a necessity. Whether you're a competitive trap and skeet shooter striving for the perfect score, a dedicated upland hunter seeking reliable performance in the field, or simply a high-volume shooter looking to economize without sacrificing quality, the precision of your reloading components is paramount. This is where the MEC Outdoors Progressive Stage Charge Bar, specifically the 7/8 oz Red Steel model (MPN: 50278), emerges as an indispensable tool. Designed to integrate seamlessly with MEC's renowned progressive presses, this charge bar automates the critical steps of powder and shot dispensing, transforming your reloading process from a painstaking chore into an efficient, highly repeatable operation.

What is a Charge Bar and Why is it Essential?

At its core, a charge bar is the heart of any shotshell reloader, responsible for accurately measuring and dropping both propellant (powder) and shot into the waiting hull and wad column. Unlike manual scooping methods, which are prone to human error and inconsistency, a charge bar provides a volumetric measurement, ensuring that each charge is as identical as possible to the last. This consistency is the secret sauce behind uniform muzzle velocities, predictable pressures, and tight, even shot patterns downrange.

The MEC Outdoors Progressive Stage Charge Bar takes this foundational principle and elevates it. Operating within a progressive reloading press, it simultaneously handles both powder and shot measurement in a dedicated stage of the reloading cycle. This means less manual intervention, faster output, and a significant reduction in the variability that can plague hand-loaded ammunition. For anyone who understands that every grain of powder and every pellet of shot contributes to the final performance of a shell, the precision engineered into this component is invaluable.

Unlocking the "Progressive Stage" Advantage

The designation "Progressive Stage" is crucial for understanding this charge bar's role. MEC progressive presses, such as the MEC 9000GN or Sizemaster progressive models, are designed for high-volume production. They perform multiple operations with each pull of the handle, moving the hull through various stages. The progressive charge bar is engineered to fit into this multi-step workflow, accurately dropping powder into the prepped hull, and then, in a subsequent part of the same cycle, dropping the precise amount of shot into the wad column.

This multi-action capability is what sets progressive reloading apart and makes this charge bar a cornerstone of efficiency:

• Speed and Efficiency: By automating both powder and shot drops, the charge bar significantly reduces the time required to produce finished shells. This is a game-changer for those who shoot hundreds or even thousands of rounds annually.
• Enhanced Repeatability: The mechanical nature of the charge bar ensures that each powder and shot drop is virtually identical, leading to highly consistent ammunition. This directly translates to more predictable performance on the range or in the field.
• Simplified Operation: With the charge bar in place, reloaders can focus on other critical aspects of the process, such as primer seating, wad insertion, and crimping, knowing that their powder and shot charges are being handled with precision.

Why 7/8 oz? Ideal Applications for Lighter Loads

The 7/8 oz shot capacity of this charge bar makes it specifically suited for a variety of popular loads, particularly those favored by competitive shooters and hunters targeting smaller game or seeking lighter recoil:

• Clay Target Shooting (Trap & Skeet): Many competitive shooters prefer 7/8 oz loads for their reduced recoil, allowing for extended practice sessions and minimizing fatigue. Despite the lighter payload, modern wads and powder combinations still deliver excellent patterns for breaking clays. This charge bar ensures these economical, low-recoil rounds are produced with championship-level consistency.
• Upland Bird Hunting: For species like quail, dove, or smaller pheasants, a 7/8 oz load provides ample pattern density and knockdown power without excessive recoil, making for a more enjoyable hunt.
• Youth and Training Loads: New shooters or those sensitive to recoil often benefit from lighter loads. The MEC 7/8 oz charge bar enables the creation of custom, comfortable ammunition perfect for introducing new enthusiasts to the sport or for high-volume training.
• Economical Practice: Using less shot per shell naturally reduces component costs. This charge bar facilitates consistent, cost-effective loads for frequent practice sessions, helping shooters hone their skills without breaking the bank.

If your primary focus is on these types of applications, or if you simply prefer the balance of performance and comfort that 7/8 oz loads offer, this specific charge bar is an essential component for your reloading bench.

The Enduring Strength of Steel: Material Benefits

The "Red Steel" designation is not just about aesthetics; it speaks directly to the durability and longevity of this critical component. Unlike charge bars made from lesser materials, steel offers a host of advantages:

• Exceptional Durability: Steel is inherently robust, capable of withstanding the constant friction and abrasive nature of both powder and shot. This means the charge bar will maintain its precise dimensions and smooth operation for tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of cycles.
• Unwavering Consistency: The rigidity of steel ensures that the internal volumetric chambers of the charge bar remain perfectly consistent over time. This directly translates to more uniform powder and shot drops, shell after shell, year after year.
• Resistance to Wear: Powders and shot can be surprisingly abrasive. A steel charge bar resists wear and tear much better than softer materials, preventing the gradual enlargement of chambers that could lead to inconsistent charges.
• Longevity as an Investment: While initial cost might be slightly higher than non-steel alternatives, the vastly extended lifespan and consistent performance of a steel charge bar make it a superior long-term investment for any serious reloader. You're investing in a component that will likely outlast many other parts of your reloading setup.

This robust construction ensures that your MEC Progressive Charge Bar remains a reliable workhorse, providing precise measurements every time you pull the handle, cycle after cycle.

Achieving Unmatched Reloading Consistency: The Core Benefit

The ultimate goal of reloading is consistency. Inconsistent loads lead to unpredictable performance—wild variations in velocity, erratic pressure, and uneven shot patterns. These inconsistencies can mean the difference between breaking a target and missing it, or between a clean kill and a wounded animal.

The MEC Outdoors Progressive Stage Charge Bar, 7/8 oz, plays a pivotal role in eliminating these variables:

1. Precise Volumetric Measurement: It measures powder by volume before dropping it into the hull and then measures the shot before dropping it into the wad. This volumetric method, combined with MEC's precision engineering, ensures that each charge is virtually identical to the last.
2. Reduced Variance: By automating and standardizing the powder and shot drops, the charge bar significantly reduces the human error and manual inconsistencies that can creep into hand-measured loads. This reduction in variance leads to more uniform muzzle velocities and pressures, which are critical for predictable performance.
3. Optimized Pattern Density: Consistent shot drops contribute directly to consistent pattern density. A uniform spread of shot at your target is crucial for competitive shooting and effective hunting. This charge bar helps ensure your patterns are tight and even, giving you maximum effectiveness.
4. Reproducible Results: Once you find a load that works perfectly for your needs, this charge bar allows you to reproduce it precisely, time and time again. This is invaluable for competitive shooters who rely on their ammunition performing exactly the same way under varying conditions.

For reloaders seeking to squeeze every bit of performance out of their shotgun shells, the precision and reliability offered by this charge bar are simply indispensable.

Problem Solved: Overcoming Common Reloader Challenges

Many reloaders, especially those new to the hobby or those still relying on less automated methods, face common frustrations:

• "My loads aren't consistent!" This is often due to variations in powder and shot charges. The MEC charge bar directly addresses this by providing highly repeatable volumetric measurements.
• "Reloading takes too long." Manually weighing each charge is tedious and time-consuming. This progressive charge bar automates two critical steps, dramatically speeding up your production.
• "I'm wasting components with inconsistent charges." Poorly measured charges can lead to ineffective shells or, worse, potentially unsafe ones. The accuracy of the MEC charge bar minimizes waste and optimizes component use.
• "I want to shoot more, but factory ammo is too expensive." Reloading is inherently more economical. This charge bar enhances that economy by making the process faster and more consistent, allowing you to produce high-quality shells at a fraction of the cost of factory loads.

By integrating the MEC Outdoors Progressive Stage Charge Bar into your setup, you're not just buying a part; you're investing in a solution to these common reloading dilemmas.

The MEC Outdoors Legacy: A Brand You Can Trust

MEC Outdoors has been a cornerstone of the reloading community for decades, synonymous with innovation, quality, and reliability. Their commitment to producing robust, user-friendly, and highly effective reloading equipment has earned them the trust of generations of reloaders. When you choose a MEC product, you're not just getting a component; you're leveraging a legacy of expertise.

• Industry Leader: MEC is widely recognized as a leader in shotshell reloading equipment, known for their durable presses and precision accessories.
• Engineered for Performance: Every MEC component, including this charge bar, is designed with the reloader's needs in mind, focusing on accuracy, efficiency, and longevity.
• System Integration: This charge bar is specifically designed to work seamlessly with MEC's popular progressive reloading presses, ensuring optimal performance and compatibility within your existing MEC setup.
• Support for the Community: MEC actively supports the shooting sports and reloading community, reinforcing their position as a reliable and respected brand.

Getting Started with Your MEC Progressive Charge Bar

Installing and integrating the MEC Progressive Stage Charge Bar into your MEC progressive press is straightforward for anyone familiar with their reloader. While specific instructions vary slightly by press model, the general principle involves seating the charge bar securely within its designated slot, ensuring proper alignment with the powder and shot hoppers. It's always recommended to consult your MEC press's instruction manual for detailed, model-specific installation and calibration steps. Proper setup and a thorough understanding of your chosen powder and shot types are essential for achieving optimal and safe results. Many reloaders choose to fine-tune their charges using MEC's compatible powder bushings, which work in conjunction with the charge bar to achieve specific powder drop weights.

Key Features for the Discerning Reloader

• Designed for MEC Progressive Presses: Specifically engineered for seamless integration and optimal performance with MEC's multi-stage reloading machines.
• Dual-Stage Measurement: Accurately measures and drops both powder and shot in a single, efficient stage of the reloading cycle.
• 7/8 oz Shot Capacity: Perfectly calibrated for popular lighter loads, ideal for clay target shooting, upland hunting, and reduced-recoil training.
• Durable Red Steel Construction: Ensures exceptional longevity, consistent performance, and resistance to wear from abrasive components.
• Volumetric Precision: Delivers highly consistent powder and shot charges, critical for uniform muzzle velocity, pressure, and shot patterns.
• Optimized for Consistency: Reduces variability in reloads, leading to more predictable and reliable ammunition.
• MPN: 50278: Specific manufacturer part number for clear identification and compatibility.
• Enhances Reloading Efficiency: Significantly speeds up the production of high-quality shotshells.

Is the MEC 7/8 oz Progressive Charge Bar Right for You?

If you are a serious reloader who owns a MEC progressive press and frequently loads 7/8 oz shotshells, or if you are looking to specifically optimize for consistency, speed, and durability in your lighter loads, then the MEC Outdoors Progressive Stage Charge Bar 7/8 oz Red Steel (MPN: 50278) is an absolute must-have. It represents a precise investment in the quality and efficiency of your reloading output. For those dedicated to squeezing every bit of performance and economy from their shotgun ammunition, this charge bar provides the foundation for superior results.

Where to Purchase Your MEC Outdoors Progressive Stage Charge Bar

For a comprehensive selection of MEC Outdoors reloading equipment, including the Progressive Stage Charge Bar 7/8 oz Red Steel (UPC: 098489011396, MPN: 50278), visit DEGuns. They offer a wide range of reloading components and accessories to support every reloader's needs, from novice to expert.

---

Product Specifications

Feature	Detail
Brand	MEC Outdoors
Series	Charge Bar
Model	Progressive Stage
Color	Red
Material	Steel
Shot Size	7 / 8 oz
MPN	50278
UPC	098489011396