A method of producing ultra high molecular weight (UHMW) C4-C30 α-olefin drag reducing agent (DRA). The method includes polymerizing in a reactor a first α-olefin monomer in the presence of catalyst and hydrocarbon solvent to produce the DRA. The catalyst consists essentially of at least one tertiary monophenyl amine having a formula R1R2N-aryl, where R1 and R2 are the same or different, and each is a hydrogen, an alkyl, or a cycloalkyl group, where at least one of R1 and R2 contain at least one carbon atom; at least one titanium halide having a formula TiXm, where m is from 2.5 to 4.0 and X is a halogen containing moiety; and at least one cocatalyst having a formula AlRnY3-n where R is a hydrocarbon radical, Y is a halogen or hydrogen, and n is 1-20. Further, the catalyst is absent of a carrier or support.