Universal Charge Bar for MEC Shotshell Reloaders

This is a review and setup that I did with the model C/CS single stage Universal Charge Bar for MEC single stage reloading machines. They make one for progressive machines but that was not reviewed. The only other videos that I have seen were not in English so I hope this is helpful.
Their website is
www.multiscalecharge.com
I think this is a worthwhile addition if one is reloading shotgun shells with a single stage MEC reloader. Not only can one alter the powder throws reliably but also the shot throw can be adjusted. The MEC charge bars are unique for each lead shot load with bushings for the powder load.
Finally, I will try to answer any questions you may have. Please avoid hateful comments about my voice or the quality of my editing. I am not a professional and post these videos just for fun. If it helps educate great.
To sum up though I believe this is a worthwhile tool. About $50 and I ordered from Cabela's.
Powder and shot loads must be confirmed with a scale (digital is easiest) and as per the usual legal stuff, the loads I am using are not mine but are actually from the powder manufacturer's website. Errors that I made- lead shot is 7/8 oz and not grains, wads are WAA12L not WA12L. Please use published instructions for your loads.
I checked company on 12/2020 and they appear to be out of business. If anyone needs instructions contact me and I will provide a copy of what I have.
Ballistic Products now makes a version of this. Check them out.
I created this video with the KZbin Video Editor ( / editor )

[@TheRotorhound]

Please be aware this company is no longer in business. Anyone needing a copy of instructions let me know. I have the manual for the progressive version as well.

[@codyjoe1429]

I need one

[@TheRotorhound]

@@codyjoe1429 Which manual do you need? Find a throwaway email , post it and I will mail you what I have.

[@codyjoe1429]

@@TheRotorhound I need their powder charge info and how to adjust their charger bar

[@TheRotorhound]

@@codyjoe1429 Will send what I have. Powder charge info soso, use a scale to set.

[@TheRotorhound]

@@codyjoe1429 Check your email

[@G-man45444]

Thanks so much for this. You apologized saying it’s not a professional video, but I think more useful info was shared here than I could find anywhere else. I totally set my shotshell press and universal charge bar up using this video. Thanks 👍🏼

[@TheRotorhound]

G Man Glad to help.

[@enddockboyoutdoors748]

Best universal charge bar video on the web!

[@TheRotorhound]

Thank you.

[@dans_place]

I have one of these adjustable bars too. I do not use the numbers on the adjusters at all. I drop and weigh, then adjust ... then repeat till I get desired drop weights.

[@Nicfin36]

Thanks for the video. Very informative and it saved me some time from trying to decipher instructions. I cannot believe the manufacturer does not have a video of the installation. MEC videos aren't very numerous either. Anyway, I just followed your instructions and everything went well. My biggest issue was installing the grommet over the brass washer. Frustrated, I finally just placed the grommet over the hole and installed the baffle. I took the baffle back off and the grommet had been squeezed down in the hole.

[@derekpinkston1475]

Had mine for over 30 years and have no problems

[@erniemark1962]

I never really use the scale on mine, I just throw a charge and scale it. Then adjust as needed, and the same with the shot side adjust till you get a proper crimp.

[@josephevans5703]

Thanks for the reply man I just got into 410 I'm setting mine up now

[@TheRotorhound]

Joseph Evans Shotshell reloading is financially a loss unless the stores are all out of ammo. I don’t know what the status of store supplies is. Best of luck. Follow the manual. No deviation.

[@josephevans5703]

@@TheRotorhound thanks again man I I just love the hobby I'm not really worried about the money I just got one of them Henry 410 ax nice gun plan to shoot it a lot

[@scottcannon2674]

Great video mate. Ive had 2 of those bars for years and never set it up but your video gives me total confidence in doing so now. Thanks a lot!

[@TheRotorhound]

Scott Cannon 👍

[@kingdaddy4200]

Sir would you ever considered selling one of your bars ? I can’t find them online the company went out of Business... I would be interested in one If you would consider selling it ?

[@scottcannon2674]

@@kingdaddy4200 sorry mate, I already sold it probably 3-4 months ago when I did a bit of a clean out. If I had of known they've gone out of business, I might have hiked the price. Sorry. Hope you find one.

[@zoltarp]

Thank you for putting this video together, I think I'll get one :)

[@TheRotorhound]

+zoltarp Make sure you get one with the baffle kit too, I bought mine at Cabela's.

[@kerrybrown8339]

Your video is just fine, and good info. Thanks

[@stevens97262]

Good video. The philister screw seems to be redundant. My MEC 600 has a steel bushing on the inside of the charge bar throw tab, so no matter what size or thickness the bolt or screw used to couple the tab to the charge bar, the motion range is set by the spot welded bushing.

[@charlesheck8905]

thank you for a very informative video that convinced me to order a universal charge bar chuck heck

[@TheRotorhound]

👍

[@505shango]

Thank you so much this vid will be very helpful

[@brucefrohn9834]

Ballistic Products now makes an "Adjusta-Drop Charge Bar". This new charge bar has engraved markings on the adjustment knobs (no tape to come off).

[@TheRotorhound]

Great. Need to check that out. Great company.

[@nigel900]

You could return it and instead purchase the Ballistic Products Adjust Drop adjustable charge bar 👉🏻 (with engraved scales)👈🏻

[@josephevans5703]

I think you did a very good job on your video I'm glad I came across it very informative good on you bro

[@TheRotorhound]

Joseph Evans 👍

[@stevenmorris3181]

Too critical of yourself. You did really well Thank you for your time.

[@Journey4SureKnowledge-N-Wisdom]

I bought 2 of these universal charge bars...one for my Mec 600 20ga and the other for my Mec 600 12ga, and both charge bar calibration labels are pealing off not even 3 months after I bought them. I messaged Mec's customer support and they told me the same thing of wanting me to scotch tape them back down. I told them I paid over 40.00 for each one and so shouldn't have to scotch tape anything to hold it in place. All they did was send back one of those formatted replies that said "Sorry for any inconvenience this product may have caused. We here at Mec offered you a reasonable solution to your situation but unfortunately you chose not to accept it. If there is anything else that we may help you with, please contact our customer service department."

[@TheRotorhound]

Journey4Sure Knowledge-N-Wisdom They need to be glued on better. Just to remind you these are not made by MEC so don't blame them.

[@Journey4SureKnowledge-N-Wisdom]

You're right.. I just got done googling it and mec doesn't make it. When I bought this off of a site, it was advertised as though it was manufactured by them. Weird thing is why didn't mec bother to tell me in their reply.

[@AcaNik1973]

Thank you for this video!!!

[@TheRotorhound]

+AcaNik1973 Hope it helped.

[@AcaNik1973]

+TheRotorhound o Yes! it is very helpful to me.

[@unclejim2330]

Hey, you did a fine vid. 👍

[@TheRotorhound]

JJJ SSS Thanks.

[@jesusceferinosantucho5344]

thank you.

[@jekks296]

Hi I loved your video. Would you be able to send me instructions for the progressive and the non progressive?

[@charlesflaco5037]

thank you very helpful my friend

[@TheRotorhound]

Carlos Viteri You are welcome.

[@pimplystikage836]

I just picked one up and I'll tell ya, it is cheaply made and all I'll be keeping is the baffle. First the set screws and plastic dowels were not in the package. So I drive over to the hardware store to pick up some screws. Got home and dropped a single piece of #6 shot in as a replacement for the dowels. Problem solved. Next I attempt to install it on my 16ga MEC 600 and the little retaining clips underneath fall off, so I give them a slight bend to help secure them. Problem solved. Next the adjustment knobs on both sides are flopping around. I took it and dropped it in the trash. Not going to drive 2 hours round trip to cabelas to return it. 3rd problem is the end for me. Poorly made but the idea is right. I'll just stick with MEC non adjustable charge bars and maybe start adapting a couple to use powder bushings in the shot charge cavities. They will get no recommendation from me except for the powder baffle, that does seem to work pretty well.

[@TheRotorhound]

Pimply Stikage Why not contact the manufacturer?

[@Gunners_Mate_Guns]

FWIW, Ballistic Products Inc. is now making their own version that uses engraved scales on the adjustment knobs that they have dubbed the "Adjusta-Drop." There are some reviews of it here on YT and elsewhere. I'll be using the stock MEC charge bars, but I can see the use of a universal bar well beyond the aggravation of having to keep track of the bushings/charge bars and spending money to get a whole new charge bar for different shot charges or bushings for different powder charges, namely the ability to more finally adjust your drops on both sides than the fixed bushing/bar combination will allow. One other comment, but Cabela's would have at least refunded the price on the defective bar that you threw away if you had sent it back via old fashioned mail. I doubt that they would have included the price of postage, but you still would have gotten the price of the bar ($70-$80 if memory serves correctly) by returning it.

[@whalerlife53]

Dont hold the camera so close. There is a limit to how close you can hold a camera and have it focus. Also, touch the screen where you want it to focus. That will tell the camera will know where you want it to focus and it will work much better.

[@TheRotorhound]

Let's Dig One Thanks. Iphone 4. Lucky it had video.

[@therealrene1]

great video!!! where can I find the chart that comes with the bar?

[@therealrene1]

TheRotorhound thanks, u found it right after leaving you that comment. thanks

[@BigBlueCJ96]

Howdy , I got a used one today and no manual, mine also did not come with a baffle is it necessary ?

[@TheRotorhound]

Baffle is optional. Find a throwaway email and I will send you a manual. Will send one for progressive and non progressive. BallistProducts now has a new version of this.

[@BigBlueCJ96]

@@TheRotorhound perfect so itll run , mine does look even older as it can only do lead doesnt have the piece to change out for steel unless the found a way to make it work with only one insert as it looks completely different and sounds good I will find one I dont use or has little info shortly thanks for quick reply !

[@TheRotorhound]

@@BigBlueCJ96 Let me know where you want instructions.

[@paulshumway5880]

I lost my little Allen wrench for locking the setting in. Anybody know what size I need? I always go by a powder scale for both powder and shot, I never trust the graduated markings.

[@TheRotorhound]

1.5 mm.

[@stephentrindall8484]

After 18 minutes I finally realized that you are not actually going to show how to adjust this bar!!!!

[@TheRotorhound]

What exactly would you like to know? I would be glad to provide you the manual that came with it if you post a throw away email. This is not nuclear science. You loosen the set screw, turn the caliber to increase or decrease the drop size, weigh the drop, tighten the set screw when happy with weight, good to go.

[@chrisdimenichi134]

@therotorhound do you have a copy of the powder/shot chart that i can get from you? I have one of these adjustable bars but have not been able to find the chart now. Thanks!

[@TheRotorhound]

Yes. Post a throwaway email and I will send you everything I have. Don’t depend on the charts as they are rough guides. Weigh everything. Do you need for the progressive or I will just send both.

[@chrisdimenichi134]

@@TheRotorhound I found mine!

[@carrichard]

The most important thing you need is--A GOOD WORKING POWDER SCALE !! Thay is what you work off of.

[@TheRotorhound]

Richard Schreiber Absolutely correct.

[@johnnieweitzel6290]

Good info. One ? Can you use this bar for steel shot? Thanx.

[@TheRotorhound]

Johnnie Weitzel Yes. You use a different insert. Zinc for lead shot. Plastic for steel.

[@barryyontef1407]

I just bought a used Universal Charge Bar and it was missing the Philister head screw. I want to buy a replacement. I know it is a 1/4-20 screw but I don't know the length of the screw or what it is made of. Can you please tell me?

[@TheRotorhound]

Barry Yontef Mine measures from the top to the bottom. 0.73 inches with a micrometer. Hope this helps. Appears steel and has a washer underneath. Washer is a lock washer measures .072 inch thick and I think washer was from original setup and does not come with universal charge bar. Let me know if you need more info.

[@barryyontef1407]

@@TheRotorhound Thank you so much. Can you give me the measurement of the screw portion ie from the bottom of the head to the end of the screw? Also, I assume it is a bolt rather than a screw?

[@TheRotorhound]

Barry Yontef The thread length is .50 inch. The head is about .23 inch and is a single slot head, not phillips. Best i can measure. Phillips would work too. You will need lock washer too. I don’t think it matters what the head turns with but mine is a single slot with regular screwdriver to tighten. Have fun. If you want I can send pix if you provide email. I think you are good to go. I know how frustrating it can be trying to find replacement parts.

[@barryyontef1407]

@@TheRotorhound Perfect. Thanks for all your help. The video was excellent and you don't need to apologize for anything.

[@rickdavid1795]

Thanks for making the review Where can I get one?

[@TheRotorhound]

I got mine at Cabela’s. Make sure you order the right one for your press.

[@Gunners_Mate_Guns]

FWIW, the Canadian company that made these is now out of business, but you'll be happy to know that Ballistic Products Inc. now makes their own (made in USA!) with some improvements, including etched on scale markings on the adjustment knobs. It's called the "Versa-Drop."

[@josood]

HI!! Do you know how to install the Universal Charge Bar for MEC progressive Shotshell Reloaders??

[@TheRotorhound]

The instructions can be found here. www.multiscalecharge.com/manuals_CCS_DDS.php

[@josood]

Thank you so much!

[@therealrene1]

is there a reason why my bar is locking up when throwing the shot? from right to left it goes smooth, but left to right it locks up

[@TheRotorhound]

therealrene As a bet I would say that the zinc insert may be binding. Really needs to be in there flat.

[@jaysongrimes9032]

just sand it smooth

[@therealrene1]

I. hecked it, is as flat as I can get it. I'll take it and try to sand I I suppose see if that helps. thanks guys

[@CreateMyOwnOpportunities]

Good video👌I subscribe

[@kingdaddy4200]

Sir do you know we’re I can buy one of these? Can’t find them anywhere

[@TheRotorhound]

From everything I can tell the company is out of business.

[@TheRotorhound]

I see them on eBay but they don’t seem complete with inserts, screws, etc. If you don’t have one now you are probably out of luck.

[@kingdaddy4200]

@@TheRotorhound Thank you for the reply sir! I thought the same thing . When I looked them up on eBay .. the three I saw in there were well used and did not look completely.... forever amazes me how it seem if something works and is good they always quit making it ... thanks again for your reply and happy new year

[@jesusceferinosantucho5344]

cartridges mec machine how much it costs

[@TheRotorhound]

Jesús Ceferino Santucho About $51 U.S.

[@mayaus8042]

Does this peace is good for mec9000 gn

[@TheRotorhound]

maya gomar They make a model for progressive presses. Slightly different but works the same. Check their website.

[@livingintheprairie1517]

Did you want to sell it?

[@TheRotorhound]

No.

[@borzak101]

The scale doesn't need to be there. It's adjsutable, you throw a shot and charge and weigh it. That's it. Once set it stays set without having to replace the bushings. The scale is inconsequential.

[@TheRotorhound]

+borzak101 You might say that the bushings for MEC don't need to be numbered. If you are changing powder drops it is nice to have a number to go to knowing that an intelligent person will still need to weigh their powder and use the scale on the charge bar to get to a rough approximation of where they should start. The warning is that you should not use the scale on the charge bar alone, you need a real powder scale to find the correct load. It would be nice if a "permanent" scale was marked on the charge bar instead of this poorly glued on version. Otherwise I like my charge bar. Thanks for watching.

[@MarshRat]

+borzak101 Good debate going on here. I use a powder scale to initially set up the UCB then like having the UCB scale for repeatability. I'm thinking I'll etch the knob of my UCB at some point.

[@TheRotorhound]

The problem is that the scale is only an approximation and the powder density changes on every bottle so the scale helps find the ballpark but always weigh to be safe.

[@rodneyhardee2527]

Its a grommet. Not a gromma!!

[@TheRotorhound]

Rodney Hardee Actually it's ˈgrä-mət but thank you KZbin diction police for the correction. What planet are you from?

[@rodneyhardee2527]

@@TheRotorhound really

[@paulgreen4202]

@@TheRotorhound actually the word is English not French so its pronounced G R O M M I T, yes Im English and this is boring,

[@TheRotorhound]

@@paulgreen4202 So don’t watch it.

[@davidgogolkiewicz2310]

The screw broke on mine. Could not figure out why it was throwing charges all over the place. Dangerous to say the least. Took it apart and the screw hole split in half. Piece of junk. Will never buy one again.

[@TheRotorhound]

David Gogolkiewicz I bet if you contact them they will make it good. But good reason to weigh your charges every now and then.

[@davidgogolkiewicz2310]

No thanks, not safe, I will stick with the factory bar.

[@TheRotorhound]

David Gogolkiewicz I use the factory bar sometimes but the Universal Charge Bar is more accurate when it is working right. Let the company fix yours and sell it if you don't like it. Or throw it. I don't work for the company and don't support or encourage the product. Only a description of how it works. I have one for a progressive press and it works well too.

[@frankdrebin6943]

Gromea, lol , to each his own

[@TheRotorhound]

What does that mean?

[@jesusceferinosantucho5344]

cuanto esta una máquina marca mec para cartucho

[@TheRotorhound]

Jesús Ceferino Santucho I need a translator.

[@barryyontef1407]

BY54

[@TheRotorhound]

Barry Yontef What does this mean?

[@Mitchbandito]

😂

[@TheRotorhound]

FYI, Ballistic Products now makes a copy of this product.

[@danielpaulbeck5265]

Useless

[@erniemark1962]

I never really use the scale on mine, I just throw a charge and scale it. Then adjust as needed, and the same with the shot side adjust till you get a proper crimp.

[@TheRotorhound]

+erniemark1962 The scale gives you a ballpark figure. Of course you have to weigh the charge to make sure it is right. I have been pretty happy with my UCB. Even happier that I have been able to find some Clays powder recently.