Ethylene polymerization using Ziegler-Natta catalysts comprising TiCl4 supported on MgCl2 with aluminum alkyls as co-catalyst produce UHMWPE through a mediated proportional reduction of the Ti oxidation states. The authors demonstrate molecular weight regulation of UHMWPE to be a combined function of hydrogen and the co-catalyst through controlled catalyst dosing and experimental optimization. Process optimization studies at 7.5 atm ethylene pressure could absorb small deviations in the catalyst systems to maintain the desired molecular weights of UHMWPE.