Melting Lead

[paco97]

Okay, so now that I have my Flintlock on order, I will also buy a round ball mold to make my own balls. What is the best method for melting lead.

 

[Stumpkiller]

Heat!

The BEST method is with an electric furnace with thermostat and bottom pour spout (IMHO). I further improve on this by pre-melting my cruddy scrap lead and making ingots on a Coleman with an iron plumbers pot for casting ingots to use in the electric furnace.

 

[boar]

Paco97 I use a cast iron ladle on propane hot plate,have a lead pot(electric) but don't use it.I do mine out side in a open shed.Once I get the ladle going and molds warm I can run the balls. Have 32up to 54,rb&max-balls.I always shot in block of wood to get lead back. I told grandson I have enought lead to retire Me,maybe him. Little bit lead,little powder, shots far kills dead. Dilly

 

[amccall]

I agree with Stumpkiller an electric pot works the best. Cabelas has one for $44 That I like to use.
Lee production pot :thumbsup:

 

[DannyB]

I'm using an electric melting pot with a ladle for pouring. It's OK for round balls, but if you're going to be pouring conicals, I'd go with the one with the built-in pouring apparatus.

 

[jcdflint]

I'm just getting into "ROUNDBALL" pouring. I have casted thousands of Rifle and pistol lead bullets. I like a ladle pour better. More control for Me.

 

[harryo]

I'm just getting into "ROUNDBALL" pouring. I have casted thousands of Rifle and pistol lead bullets. I like a ladle pour better. More control for Me.

I agree. I have an electric pot with a bottom spout but I still prefer to use a ladle.

 

[454roundball]

I have to agree with Stumpkiller. An electric pot with a bottom pour spout is the most convenient method I have used.

 

[silverfox]

I agree, I like the electric pot with bottom pour for up to 50 cal RB. For Maxi and Minnies and over 50 cal. I like a 20# cast iron pot and a large ladle so as to be able to pour large amounts of lead quickly. I also like to work outside with a light breeze to keep the fumes at bay. Also drop your bullets on a folded towel as they come out of your mold, don't want to knock them out of shape by falling on the floor.
Fox :thumbsup:

 

[mmahlock]

Since everyone has covered the melting part, I'll say either wait until you get the new weapon and buy a couple of different sizes of balls and test shoot until you find the size that shoots the best. That's the size of the mould you should get. Also I'd recomend a steel modern mould rather than an aluminum mould. And just for giggles and grins get a bag mould (PC) from Rapine or similar for field casting. You might also want to get a copper or steel primitive ladle for field casting as well.

 

I use a lead ladle and heat it over a propane torch. It works for me.

 

[SCATTERSHOT]

Bottom pour electric pot is the way to go. Lee Production Pot is the least expensive I have found, and I have been using mine for years with no problems.

 

[nchawkeye]

I just heat mine with a gas grill (not used for cooking)...melt lead in a tin can and pour with a ladle into a Rapine bag mold.