I enjoy ladle pouring. I started with Lee's ladle, but moved to the Lyman's. Also have the 20 lb pot.
Like @.308 Norma , the molds get too hot if I try to rush them.
Like @.308 Norma , the molds get too hot if I try to rush them.
question for those who cast
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243winxb
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whughett
Member
I’ve been casting for many years now. Both my pots, a Lee 10 and a Lyman Mag 20 we’re bottom pour but both, obtained used, leaked, so I had the spout welded shut and developed a ladle pour technique.
Recently I replaced the Lee with their Pro Melt but I’m so accustomed to ladle pouring that I stayed with it.
Many bullets have been thrown using a pot and ladle.
I should note however that I only cast hand gun bullets with 260 grains being the heaviest. IMO the size and weight of the bullet being formed would probably have a bearing on the method used.
Recently I replaced the Lee with their Pro Melt but I’m so accustomed to ladle pouring that I stayed with it.
Many bullets have been thrown using a pot and ladle.
I should note however that I only cast hand gun bullets with 260 grains being the heaviest. IMO the size and weight of the bullet being formed would probably have a bearing on the method used.
I've run, conservatively, a half million or more cast bullets that I poured, sized, loaded and either sold or shot since about 1957. Dad and I did commercial loading from 1964 through 1979 when he passed. Bottom pour, dipped, whatever. Fastest, bottom pour and a four cavity for sure.
When I started cast bullet match shooting it was a single cavity and ladle pour. When I shot muzzle loading bench and slug gun, ladle "pressure cast" was the only way.
Range, plinking or light practice ammo, gang moulds and bottom pour are the way to go. For precision and sorting to +/- .1 grain, pour.
Of course, YMMMV. p.s they are "bullets".
When I started cast bullet match shooting it was a single cavity and ladle pour. When I shot muzzle loading bench and slug gun, ladle "pressure cast" was the only way.
Range, plinking or light practice ammo, gang moulds and bottom pour are the way to go. For precision and sorting to +/- .1 grain, pour.
Of course, YMMMV. p.s they are "bullets".
gwpercle
Member
The Lyman and RCBS pots are pricey . I don't care for casting with bottom pour operation and some bottom pour pots leak and all the stuff insides the pot get in the way of fluxing and stirring .
My best set up is a Lee Magnum Melter Pot , it is a simple open top pot , 20 lb. capacity (cost $60.00) and use it with a Lyman Casting Ladle , with the little side spout... and pressure cast with the ladle ...
Best bullets ever with 2 , 3 , and 4 cavity moulds .
If you cast with 6 cavity mould then maybe the bottom pour is the bees knees but if you are casting with 1 to 4 cavity moulds , the dipper beats the leaking bottom pour Seven ways to Sunday and is the most economical way to roll .
I gave my bottom pour drip-o-matic away after getting the Lee Magnum Melter ...it's SWEET !
Gary
My best set up is a Lee Magnum Melter Pot , it is a simple open top pot , 20 lb. capacity (cost $60.00) and use it with a Lyman Casting Ladle , with the little side spout... and pressure cast with the ladle ...
Best bullets ever with 2 , 3 , and 4 cavity moulds .
If you cast with 6 cavity mould then maybe the bottom pour is the bees knees but if you are casting with 1 to 4 cavity moulds , the dipper beats the leaking bottom pour Seven ways to Sunday and is the most economical way to roll .
I gave my bottom pour drip-o-matic away after getting the Lee Magnum Melter ...it's SWEET !
Gary
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