So far I?m finding I can cast higher quality, more consistent 175gr TC 10mm bullets with my dinky little Lee ladle for some reason, than using the bottom pour option on the the Lee 20 lbs furnace. If I do use the ladle method, do you have any recommendations on which ladle? At the moment I?ve narrowed it down to either the #1 Rowell Roto Metals bottom pour, or the RCBS Lead Dipper. Any thoughts on these two options, or something from a different manufacturer? I?m going to continue learning and experimenting with the Lee pots bottom pour option without using a ladle, and try and get better with it, but am having some frustration with it also. I?m also finding winter temps in the garage and my face shield don?t work very well with the shield fogging up. I really enjoy casting, but have an incredible amount to learn. I?m not sure why the Bottom Pour Rowell Roto Metals #1 ladle is so much more expensive on Amazon, but it is
I guess my real question is, if you were going to buy a bottom pour ladle that would work size wise in the Lee 20 lbs pot, which one would you recommend
Thanks for everyone?s help on this
RCBS Lead Dipper - $29.00 - Amazon
Casting Ladle Bottom Pour Rowell Roto Metals #1 - $32.00 from Roto Metals / $54.00 on Amazon what the heck
Being a southpaw, the Lyman lead dipper with reversible handle look like an option as well
I haven't used a ladle in over 30 years so I am no help. Playing with the adjustment on the Lee pot you will be able to find the spot that casts good bullets for you.
That?s what I keep telling myself. I?ve only done 6 or 7 sessions with the 20 lbs bottom pour so far, so I have years of learning ahead of I?d me?love it so far, regardless of lack of technique or major successes
So do none of you pour your molds with something like the Lyman lead dipper, or the #1 Rowell Roto Metals bottom pour ladle? It sounds like some use these exclusively when pouring bullets over, say 250gr, or with larger caliber, longer rifle bullets? I did readjust the alloy drop adjustment on my Lee 20 lbs bottom pour today, and things went much better
a while ago my bottom pour pot got clogged up and I started using my dipper. I think its a cheapo Lyman dipper. it worked fine the only disadvantage I found was with the bottom pour, you don't have to worry about any slag in the pour. I cleaned my pot out and am now using the bottom pour again. the only thing I don't like about the bottom pour is having to constantly adjust the screw so lead doesn't drip when I close it.
The only ladle pours I have ever done were before I got my pot and was melting lead in a cast iron skillet. It wasn't a casting ladle.
I have never had enough variation in bullets using bottom pour with a thermometer to matter for my level of marksmanship.
Great point, plus, being so new to casting, I?ve got a ton to learn
I've worn out 3 of the Lee bottom pours so I just pour with a Lyman ladle and my casting partner uses an RCBS ladle. At first, I really liked the bottom pours but began to dislike the constant fidgeting with the pour spout. I get better control and quality with a ladle.
Thanks, I?ll be working with both, and see where it lands. It seems like the bottom pour would be considerably faster, but I?m not terribly concerned with quantity at this point. Once my bullet quality becomes more consistent, I?ll work at higher quantities