bottom pour lead pot-or use a ladle?

[jim in Anchorage]

The reason I ask is it's time to replace my Lee bottom pour[bought in 1976-got my moneys worth] I have two complaints with the unit.

The pintle type valve that closes the bottom opening consists of a long rod that extends from the bottom to the top of the pot,making good stirring of the mixture impossible.

After 2-3 pours the valve always starts leaking,and I have to twist it back and forth to stop.

So I guess what I am asking is what you non-commercial casters think I should buy?

 

[rcmodel]

I have a bottom pour Lee, and like yours, it has been a PITA.

So much so that I always have a cast iron skillet handy to catch a pot full of lead in.
Just in case it decides to puke it's guts out on the bench.

When I get it to stop leaking, I usually revert back to my Lyman ladel.

I'm pretty convinced it makes more uniform bullets with way less mess.

rc

 

[NCsmitty]

+1 on the Lyman ladel. It's been my mainstay for all these years. Hard to beat once you get the rhythm working.

NCsmitty

 

[Quickdraw McGraw]

I'm a ladler myself! I use the Lee Magmum melter ~ 20 lb capacity. I like it!!

 

[doubs43]

I have two RCBS bottom pour pots and there is NO comparison to the much smaller Lee pot. The RCBS is considerably more expensive, of course, but they are worth it. One of mine is roughly 25 years old and the other about 20. Both still work perfectly.

 

[kelbro]

I scrape and stir in my Lee with a paint stirrer. No problems.

 

[Walkalong]

If you use a ladle, the Rowell bottom pour ladle is the way to go. All the trash stays on top. They work great.

 

[bullseye308]

I get by just fine with the Lee 4# pot and the cheap Lee ladle. That and a bunch of 2 cav molds and lots of time works here.

If I had any money and could fine it in stock I would go with the Lee 20# pot and a rowell ladle and 6 cav molds, but alas, it taint to be.

 

[alex9328]

Hello, My two cent the older lyman bottom pour, with the removable cord. Or a Saeco similar unit.

Lyman made a larger bottom pour Not the new model. I have them both. I have the new 20lb model have not used it, I got all mibe used. I pick them up on auction sites. I run two at a time to keep one pot flowing all the time. Once I get mold up to speed I hate to stop!

Thanks, ALex

 

[sqlbullet]

I have both a lee 10# and 20# bottom pour. Both have performed acceptably for me.

 

[RustyFN]

I haven't had any problems with the Lee ten pound bottom pot. I have had drip art but a couple of wiggles with a screwdriver and it's gone. If you go with the ladle take Walkalong's advice and get the Rowell. I use a Rowell for pouring my ingots and they are nice.
Rusty