Ladles

[Sendaro]

The only ladle that I have is a Lyman. Are there other casting ladles made than the Lyman standard?

Sendaro

 

[gman]

Indeed. If you want to ladle cast my suggestion is a Rowell #2. Roto Metals sells them and you might find them elsewhere.

 

[JWFilips]

Indeed. If you want to ladle cast my suggestion is a Rowell #2. Roto Metals sells them and you might find them elsewhere.

Indeed: I have, myself been eyeing but that Rowell#2 from Roto Metals: Best price I have seen

 

[Rick]

A word of caution here. The Rowell #2 is indeed a great ladle, been using one for years but (there's always a damn but isn't there?) it's a 2 pound ladle, can work with an RCBS 22 pound pot, a little tight fit but it works. I use the #2 in a Magma 40 pound pot. If your using a smaller pot like the LEE 10 pounder or maybe even the 20 pound pot that Rowell #2 may not be practical. With the smaller pots I suggest the Rowell #1, a one pound ladle.

 

[JWFilips]

Rick,
I do have a 20 lb Lee So you think best the #1? That is a good thing to know ......That should work for a Big 2 hole .358...Correct?
Jim

 

[Rick]

Should work ok Jim. I also have the RCBS 22 pound pot and the Rowell #2 does work in it but it's a snug fit. A pot with a smaller opening on top than the RCBS the #2 may not go in it.

 

[gman]

Good point Rick. My pot is big enough that the #2 is no problem

 

[Ian]

Rowel #2 with a vee-groove filed in the trough of the spout, and 40-60lbs of lead in a big, open pot is a really good way to go. The Lyman and RCBS ladles are ok for small pots and very small bullets or single-cavity moulds.

 

[Chris]

I'm with Ian. The #2 and larger pot maintain consistent alloy temperature as well. If I had a 20 pounder I would probably go with a #1 Rowell for convenience of fit.

Anybody casting heavy bullets will drain those small pots in a hurry (think 15-20 bullets to the pound as in .45/70), consider stepping up the size when you can.

 

[RBHarter]

I didn't have any trouble pouring 1200gr with an RCBS ladle on a NOE 5 , 1560 gr in a Lee 6 or 700gr in a Mountain Moulds. I will agree that those moulds make short work of a pot .

 

[Sendaro]

Guys,

Thanks for the replies and the information. Took a look at the Rowell ladles on the Roto Metals site. The idea of bottom pouring sounds logical.

Sendaro

 

[Maven]

Sendaro, Try this site as well for Rowell ladles: http://www.advancecarmover.com

 

[Rick]

One thing I did do to modify my #2 was to shorten the handle. Just unscrew it from the ladle bowl, cut it off & re-thread the rod, screw it back in. The handle was too long for my liking. Never saw any need for any other modifications, works like a charm as is.

 

[John]

A #2 is a very tight fit in a Lee 20 lb pot.

 

[358156 hp]

I use one of the square back RCBS ladles for smaller moulds. I need to convert my Rowell #2 to left-hand before I can use it for casting. The extra volume would come in really handy at times.

 

[Chris]

The Rowell handles is too long, as Rick said.

 

[358156 hp]

Good point. I can fix that too. I'll probably grind off the original cast boss and braze a replacement threaded thimble on the opposite side. And the handle is too long....

 

[Edward R Southgate]

I have a Lee , newer Lyman and an old Ideal . I use the smaller Lee to skim and cast with the old Lyman . I bought the new Lyman to replace my original Ideal that was stole along with most of my other stuff . Couldn't immediately find an I deal so I bought the Lyman and never liked it due to the other threaded hole they added. Makes dipping out of a bottom pour furnace a bit too tight to suit me .

Eddie

 

[358156 hp]

There are at least a couple of the old egg-shaped Ideals on Gunbroker right now. I probably have one around here somewhere myself.

 

[Edward R Southgate]

There are at least a couple of the old egg-shaped Ideals on Gunbroker right now. I probably have one around here somewhere myself.

I bought one a few weeks ago on ebay for $10 , new in the 1950's style box . Also came with two ancient Ideal lube sticks in original boxes .

Eddie