Were's a good place to start with casting

I have a supply of pure lead and want to do some casting for my .45 and eventually a .62. Were is a good place to start melting lead and purchasing the tools I will need. Stove top melting or is it best just to get an electric pot. What molds work the best.

I'd start cheap and easy, then adjust in whichever direction your interests take you. You won't want to do your casting indoors at all, so add the cost of a Coleman stove into your calculations if you decide to do stovetop to save bux. I'd go with a LEE RB mold and a small LEE electric dipper pot and dipper.

I just use a single burner propane camp stove and a stainless steel bowl for melting down small amounts of lead to cast with. A Lee ladle and Lee moulds. To melt down larger amounts of lead I use the base from a turkey fryer and larger stainless pot with a soup ladle to pour molten lead into ingots.
Unlike most I cast in my basement. But only when the missus isn't home (which isn't very often).Use a fan to blow the fumes away from you.

BTW. Track of the Wolf has good prices on Lee moulds, ladles and ingots. Or if you would be interested I would trade you .45 rbs for some lead. I'm on Rt.104 East of you. You have probably gone by my place on the way to Deerslayers. PM me if you are interested.

anything LEE...check these folks out!
I have not been able to beat their numbers.
How to?.... best to find someone local who has been doing it for a long time and learn face to face!

3 w's followed by a dot fmreloading dot com

www.midsouthshooterssupply.com
www.midway.com

Both good suppliers of casting equipment.

I myself started off with a lee melting pot and lee molds. ben casting for all my mls. now for over 10 years and never had a problem with the lee pot or there molds. plus there cheap!!! last I looked I think the pot sells for around $25.00 same with the molds. maine thing is follow there instructions and you should do fine.

Stone Knife said:

I have a supply of pure lead and want to do some casting for my .45 and eventually a .62. Were is a good place to start melting lead and purchasing the tools I will need. Stove top melting or is it best just to get an electric pot. What molds work the best.

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To answer the question literally: outside, in the shade on a nice day is the best place to cast anytime. :grin:
I suggest getting the Lee electric pot, not the bottom pour model. Also whatever molds you need, a dipper, some old towels, a sprue whacker, eye protection and get started.
As to "best" molds, I prefer Lyman but use mostly Lee. Cost is the deciding factor, Lyman's are starting to hit the $100.00 mark while Lee's are around $20.00 and work just fine once you get used to them.

CastBoolits forum will teach you all you need to know ... I have a few Lee molds ... They are not my favorites ... I got spoiled with some custom molds ... But Lyman and RCBS are decent molds.

AL pots/pans are not recommended to melt lead in, make sure no water or sweat gets into the molten lead, as it will blow out a large about of hot lead all over you! Wear safety glasses!

The Lee ladle is small and pours funny, I prefer the Lyman style better .

The Lee ladle is small and pours funny, I prefer the Lyman style better

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I really agree with that. Just trying to save the guy a few bucks. I also have and use an antique precious metals (gold, silver) ladle that is just fine. I got it very cheaply at a flea market. Gotta keep yer eyes open in those places.

A lot of different heat sources can be used to melt the lead but please remember that you must not use an aluminum pan to hold the melted lead.

Aluminum bullet/ball molds like Lee make are fine but they never get up to the full heat of melted lead.

The pot or pan however does get up to the full 700-800 degrees F. that most lead casting is done at.

Although aluminum doesn't melt until it reaches about 1150 degrees F. at 700 degrees it has almost no strength at all so holding 2-5 pounds of molten lead is asking for trouble.
More than one aluminum pot when holding molten lead has had the bottom suddenly drop out of it.

Couple of 'cheap' ways. If you know a person who welds. get a 2"-3"dia. black pipe and make a melting pot out of it, just weld a sturdy bottom plate on and use on a coleman stove. Works really well. (fyi, weld it on inside and outside of pot)

As a backup reminder to what was said about water getting into lead. This includes bugs, dew etc. It can cause the lead to explode. Check your lead pieces before putting in the pot. Not fun!!

Good gloves, eye protection and and long sleeves with a sturdy full body apron for safety.

Good Luck!!

Cheers, DonK