Freeholder, nope, that is not the "charge bar".
I can't speak as to the MEC but only my Lee LOAD-ALL which is the entry level model doing one shell at a time.
Keep this in mind. From all I've seen, all the videos and all the "directions" sheets have terrible graphics and quickly move on without clear explanation. So, I'll try to clarify it.
In the LOAD ALL, below the chambers for the propellant (left side) and the shot (right side) is a rectangular BOX. The Box is the CHARBE BAR. Inside the red plastic BOX are two slots. Left slot allows the powder to drop.
You alternately slide the CHARGE BAR back and forth, Left to Right, to drop either powder or shot.
There are BUSHINGS of red plastic which precisely fit into the holes in the CHARGE BAR which allow precise amounts of powder or shot to drip. Shot bushings are measured in 7/8 ox, 1 oz, 1 1/8 oz or 1 1/4 oz etc.
Powder bushings start way low such as .130 to .180. I more or less assume that these refer to Thousandths of an inch. They are like little stubby pipes that drop the powder.
There's all kinds of stuff about reloading that nobody seems to tell you. None of which stops it from being fun though.
Here's an important tip though, good for any reloading. The HEAVIER the shot/bullet you want to throw out the end of the barrel, you are going to get two results:
(1) More recoil and (2) Higher Chamber pressures.
Both need to be kept in mind if you're new.
If you put an unknown amount of lead weight in the shell, and it is heavier than specified, the barrel can blow up from the excess of chamber pressure. The same goes for using excessive and unknown amounts of powder.
I had my shotgun (12 gauge) before the 30-06 rifle, and was pretty nervous about the rifle recoil, having had my eye brow cut badly by a scope once in Elk hunting camp.
But when I actually shoulder fired the 30-06 with 150 grain bullets (deer size) the recoil compared to the shotgun with almost any load, was totally neglibible. I can shoot the rifle all dang day without a problem.
Most reloaders will suggest you do shotshells in about the standard 1 1/8 oz shot load, before going up to ........1 1/4 oz (Heavy Game) size loads.
I'm different though. Life is short, and I'm in a hurry, and I want hunting loads for small game this winter.
Hope some of this is a general help.
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