Minimum requirement for casting bullets

[AlexB]

I also flux in a separate pot and nave zero leakage out of the Lee 4-20 model.

 

[TFoley]

View attachment 256899

I got one of these. Makes life a lot easier.

What if you don't have access to electricity?

 

[ArmorerRoy]

What if you don't have access to electricity?

Then I guess it won’t make your life easier.

 

[Banjoman]

 

[Hatchet-Jack]

So what do you guys think of these 2? Advantage of each/ disadvantage? Either seems like a good deal. Will be mostly doing roundball and conical for revolvers.
I heard the spouts often leak. Have they fixed this problem?

I have the bottom pore on the left. Works great if you only use clean lead in it. Leave it full when done else the pot will rust. I clean my lead in a cast iron pot on a Coleman stove then pore ingots in an old muffin pan.

 

[nchawkeye]

About as simple as it gets, been doing it this was since the '70s..

 

[flconch53]

I have the bottom pore on the left. Works great if you only use clean lead in it. Leave it full when done else the pot will rust. I clean my lead in a cast iron pot on a Coleman stove then pore ingots in an old muffin pan.

I have a bottom pour also the only problem I have had with it is using dirty lead. It will cause the stopper to not drop down properly. I also keep a PC of wire handy to unclog the spout if that happens

 

[Hatchet-Jack]

I have a bottom pour also the only problem I have had with it is using dirty lead. It will cause the stopper to not drop down properly. I also keep a PC of wire handy to unclog the spout if that happens

I had the same problem so I always flux my lead in a separate pot. I haven't had it clog working this way.

 

[Blackpowderart]

Everything came together today. The first casting. All of them aren't perfect, but I am pleased with the results. I got the eras gone molds in 44 and 36 from a member. Got the lee pot, ladle and lead from Amazon. I'm guessing the lead is a little dirty based on how much skimming I had to do. Does all this trash seem normal? So much for minimum requirements.

Chambers in my new to me, unfired 1988 remington new model navy measure .3745

 

[Cavalry Joe]

My ”melting pot” can hold 160 lbs of lead…. …. I highly recommend some leather gloves and a clear face shield ….and don’t pour into cold molds - pre-heat them.

”Dross” will form on the surface of your lead when in the melting pot, use your ladle to skim it back and then dip into the shiny stuff and pour. That layer of dross will help keep the metal hot and reduce the burn off. Later, when you add new metal, you can flux it and burn off impurities, then skim the surface one time to remove any remaining ash. Be sure to monitor your temperature.

 

[TFoley]

My “melting pot” can hold 160 lbs of lead…. …. I highly recommend some think leather gloves and don’t pour into cold molds - pre-heat them.

Good plan - many of us allow the mould to pre-heat by setting it on the rim of the pot while it heats up. 'course, if you are using an old hair-curler mould and teaspoon that's going to be difficult.....

 

[Nazgul58]

I have used Lee bottom pour pots for 40 years. They are fine, if you READ the instructions you can deal with any leak.
Lots of air movement is required. I would recommend standing to cast, any drips of splashes don't land in your lap. I put my pots in an old cookie baking pan. If for some reason it spills or does leak the pan keeps it from going anywhere.

Not rocket science.

Don

 

[Flincher80]

Minimum a spoon to dip lead,and a small pot to melt lead,a heat source to melt lead. You probably already have everything. Don't reuse pot or spoon,keep them as casting only.
You can add bits as you go,a proper lead ladle,a thermometer,a electric pot and on and on or just stay with minimum.

Any recommendations on a pot? I’m wondering if cast iron is good. I can just as easily get the electric all in one but I’m thinking backyard fun over an open fire…more old timey

 

[flconch53]

The ones you buy are cast Iron

 

[Flincher80]

The ones you buy are cast Iron

I thought so.

 

[Blackpowderart]

17 grains of OE fffg Colt Cartridge Works combustible envelope cartridges