Casting lead balls ?

[Rifleman1776]

I don't why anyone would buy a bottom pour, Imho just go buy one you dip from, less potential problems to contend with, I have the 20 Lb. Magnum Melter from Lee, no problems at all with it, money well spent Imo.

I had a Lyman bottom pour I used happily for years. When we moved it went into "dry" storage for couple years. When I took it out it was completely rusted through. Then I checked prices for a new one. Ohmigosh!!! They are costly now. That is what keeps Lee in business.

 

[MSW]

good advice in the safety deal - -you don't want to breathe in any bad stuff, so a well places fan is a good - to have item (and it helps keep you cool - what's not to like?) I use heavy leather gloves (reserved for nothing other than casting) and I always wear long sleeves and good work boots.

Don't use an aluminum pot to melt your lead - a catastrophic failure is possible - not sure of the science, but I've heard from more than a few sources (none of whom have any vested interest in aluminum vs. iron) that there's something about the chemistry between lead and aluminum under heat which weakens the pot. very very very bad ju ju

Also, you should wear a hat or bandanna or "drive- on rag" of some sort: if a drop of sweat falls into the molten lead, the resulting splashback (caused by the near instantaneous conversion of the sweat to steam) will splatter bits of molten lead all over.

this will really interrupt your concentration
of course, don't eat, drink or smoke anything while casting, and wash up carefully when you're done.

I remember when I got started, it took about a thousand ball to amortize the cost of all my gear (molds, pots, melters, ladles, gloves and so on) and that didn't count the cost of shipping, which can get pretty steep pretty quick, so it's well worth the investment.


good luck with your project!

 

[bpd303]

All of my equipment paid for itself over 50 years ago. Currently I can cast 47 different bullets/balls. My only expense is a few pennies for electricity to run the three pots I have. If taken care of the equipment will last several lifetimes.

 

[Eterry]

Several years ago I got tired of using the Coleman stove and was loaned a bottom pour pot. If there is a way to stop it from dripping melted lead on the work bench and onto the floor I couldn't find it. I got the 20lb Lee pot and got my hand made left handed ladle a gunsmith had given me when I started casting.
I recommend when you up grade to pass on the bottom pour. Also check your lead for moisture before putting it in the pot. I had some large lead pipe and added a section to a pot of melted lead, a small chunk of frost fell from the inside into the pot and caused a small explosion...thankfully I had stepped away and didn't get hurt, but had a mess to clean up.

Eterry

 

[AZbpBurner]

I've used my bottom-pour Lee pot for over 35 years, without any major problems. There is a slot atop the pouring spout rod. When it begins dripping, have a screwdriver on hand to rotate and jiggle the rod until it seats. Dripping more frequently occurs when dross gets into the valve surfaces as you drain the pot. I always keep it at least 3/4 full, fluxed and I also made an alloy cap to fit over the top of the pot to retain heat when heating.

It takes a little finesse with a screwdriver (very little)to control dripping, and I've cast everything from .36" roundballs to .62" balls and .54 cal hollowbase minies, all perfectly filled out and no casting flaws. It's not really tat difficult when you do it enough.

 

[Larry Beach]

I have been using my Lee products since the 80's
I have gotten into weighing everything I cast on a
small scale. it has helped quite a bit for accuracy! the off shot goes back into the lead pan.
I still use my old Camp stove and the same pot,
Only real difference is the dipping spoon I bought.
before that I used the same tablespoon for 20 years.
Hey if it works for you.... :thumbsup:

 

[jamesthomas]

Again you better buy it up then because that's still 10cents below spot for scrap lead. So whoever is selling it that cheap is losing money. Good for you though wish I could find that kind of deal, and absolutely right x-ray lead is pure lead at least any that I ever had. Gotta say I'm pretty envious of you guys that can do these amazing deals on pure lead :thumbsup:

Yes sir!, just scored the last of the X-ray sheet lead from my recycler, 130Lbs. for $80.00.