A process for preparing a solid pre-catalyst component for use in olefinic polymerization includes dissolving a magnesium chloride in an alcohol and optionally adding water to form a first solution having a water content of about 0.5 mmol water per mol MgCl2 to about 100 mmol water per mol MgCl2; contacting the first solution with a first titanium compound to form the solid pre-catalyst component; and treating the solid pre-catalyst component with a hydrocarbon or halogenated hydrocarbon solvent, optionally containing a second titanium compound.