Lead melting pot

That's the way to do it. I have used a cast iron fry pan to clean lead before pouring it into ingots. Just be sure anything you use for lead is not used for cooking.

I stopped by an antique shop this morning and picked up a heavy cast iron pan, with high sides. It must be something special because it was $25

they will tend to drip

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Really??? :shocked2: Ya wouldn't kid me, wouldja? :rotf:
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Looks like a case of an unattended pot...or HUA which ever the case may be. :grin:

bpd303 said:

Looks like a case of an unattended pot...or HUA which ever the case may be. :grin:

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I don't know what HUA means. But do hope it is family friendly. :haha:
Enneyhow, my long time practice has/was to plug in my pot(s) and wait for lead to melt then come back and do my casting. Ya know, a watched pot never melts. :shake: Same with over a flame.
Yep, unattended.

I don't usually leave my pot unattended when starting it up but I don't have a bottom pour. None the less I don't like leaving it unattended. I usually turn it on and then while it is warming I use this time to prep and get out the things I need like mould(s) and extra lead and such.

The good thing is we usually learn from our mistakes and that being said I have learned allot. When I got my first lee pot I turned it all the way down when finished thinking that would turn the pot off. The next day I was looking at the pot and for some reason felt I had to touch the hardened lead. I was still quite hot which burned my finger. Not bad but I learned.

The thing I learned long ago is that electric pots melt the lead in the bottom of the pot first. With bottom pours if the valve was not seated when the pot cooled it will drip like you experienced. To prevent that I use my propane torch to melt the lead in the top of the pot while it is heating up, which also speeds up the time it takes to get casting. (I get impatient)

Oh and BTW HUA is an endearing police term for "head up ass" (not paying attention) :grin:

Did you sneak into my garage taking pictures?

There are two groups when it comes to bottom pours; those who love them and those who hate them.

If OSHA was involved in home casting, bottom pours would not be for sale from a safety aspect.

We all are free to get what we want, go and buy.

If OSHA was involved with anything we do in muzzleloading, we wouldn't have a sport. Don't give them any ideas. :wink:

Nope,, I just look at safety when considering how things are made and used, especially by folks who do not know what they are doing.

I have used the Lee 20 pound pot for over 30 years with no problems. I also use Lee molds to cast my bullets. They have worked for me....... :wink:

My lead pot was picked up at a medical Supply house. It is a SS blood pot and holds about 25# of lead if filled to the top. It is heated with a Cajun Cooker keeps the cost down. Cooker about $20, pot $6 and dipper home made. Dipper is found everywhere around here. CO 2 cartridge drill out the tip cut a port in the side and braze a screwdriver tip to it. This lets you use any length you need to keep handle cool and balance in the pot. Lets me do several hundred RB before having to add lead so don't have to worry about the temperature changing during my run. I do this on the patio by the pool with the wind blowing. Hope this gives you some ideas. Silverfox

that does sound interesting, however I just went with a LEE production pot, I got it yesterday, though I will have to wait till next month to cast.

Time is a very scare commodity now days...

I've had my Lee production pot for ten years. I've been very happy with it. :thumbsup:

the price was right and I have heard they are great pots......

To the best of my knowledge and belief, HUA has to do with where ones head is located. I have been guilty of having my head there on an occasion or two. It is dark and quiet but things tend to go to hell in a hand cart if you keep it there for too long at a time or at inappropriate times. :haha: