What lead pot do you use and/or recommend?

Maven

Well-Known Member
I have Lee 10lb. and 20b. (closer to #16) furnaces, from which I removed the bottom pour/drip feature and plugged the orifice. Neither has been a problem in the almost 20 yrs. that I've owned them, and on that basis I would highly recommend them.
 

popper

Well-Known Member
Just the 20# Lee pot, I added a homebrew PID a few years back. Yea it drips some but so what. Added a tap handle to the stem for weight and easy to turn - took out the adjusting screw. When it quits, get another or fix. Keep it pretty much full with beeswax on top for storage. Only thing permanent on the workbench is a small vice and press.
 

Jeff H

NW Ohio
I've used a number of different pots/furnaces, but have settled on two 10# LEE bottom-pours. There were times in the past when they may have caused me issues and I didn't know it was the pot, but I've gotten to know them well and they work fine for everything from 50 grain .225" to 265 grain .432". They're cheap, they're compact, uncomplicated and they work. I use a home-made PID setup from scrounged parts on one. Not saying i's the best - I tend to minimize and see just how little I can get away with, but I have been happy with them.
 

abj

Active Member
I have two Lyman mag 25's, and will never go back to ladle casting. Also bought NOE's newest mold guide and am very, very happy. The mag 25 has enough adjustment on it for 38-105's all the way to 45-70, 405's. I like the pid, lets you see the temp at a glance. I think I paid in the $250 range.
Tony
 

Rally Hess

Well-Known Member
I started with 10# Lee, then went to two. Now I use two 20# Lees, after revamping the handles and building a base that works with flat or hp moulds. They work ok now,but, have considered upgrading to the RCBS. I’m just not sure about
the new RCBS. Reading the reviews with that link makes me a bit Leary also.
I’d even consider takin that old worn out bottom dumper off Brads hands, since he’s ladle casting anyway. It must be about worn out by now!
 

Creeker

Well-Known Member
Well Malcolm, sounds like you're Lee bound for a pot. Several years back I ran a poll on pots simply by asking people about their's. After speaking to maybe 50 people I came away with the impression the RCBS pot was at least 4 times better than Lyman. I'll guess that was 15 years ago. I can't speak to the current models.

I've never used either or a Lee for that matter. I'm knee deep into Magma stuff because of the business I had & if purchasing a new pot at this time for less than $300.00 I'd be here asking just like you.
 

Brother_Love

Well-Known Member
Thanks to all. I decided to tuneup my Lee 20# pot. The screws that guide the actuating handle were crooked so I removed the panel they screw into and tightened the flanges in my vice. The screws are now almost straight the lever moves more freely. I also am making a wooden sleeve to go on the metal handle to make it a little more comfortable to use. Lastly I cleaned all residue out of the pot with steel wool.

I will fill it and remelt once I’m able to cast again. Looks like it will work a little better now.
Thanks
 

MW65

Wetside, Oregon
Thanks to all. I decided to tuneup my Lee 20# pot. The screws that guide the actuating handle were crooked so I removed the panel they screw into and tightened the flanges in my vice. The screws are now almost straight the lever moves more freely. ...
I will fill it and remelt once I’m able to cast again. Looks like it will work a little better now.
Thanks

I had something similar with my #10 Lee pot. I resurrected it by intentionally loosening up the two bearing screws to get the handle to freely seek center of the pour spout. Additionally, I cleaned up all the crud from the stopper and spout. What used to be a dribble is now an occasional drip.

Good luck!
Andy
 

4060MAY

Active Member
I am a ladle caster so this may not apply
2 Lyman pots converted to ladle
1 Lee ladle pot
1 WAAGE ladle pot
for the most bang for the buck LEE
for the Best pot I have ever owned WAAGE K4757, not listed in their catalog..email for price
Buffalo Arms have them in stock and a picture
 

rodmkr

Temecula California
I use a Lee 20# ladle pour pot and like it a lot,
I have a PID for it but have never figured out how to install it and still be able to flux the melt.
Also do to space requirements I take the casting bench hood and pots down after each session.
Like rick I have never used a bottom pour so cannot make any comments bout doing it.
 

Rick

Moderator
Staff member
Like rick I have never used a bottom pour so cannot make any comments bout doing it.

Hhmmm . . . Does that refer to me? I did bottom pour for many years, couldn't force me to pick up a ladle, just had my myself convinced that it would be very slow and boring. Tried ladle casting one day and was a convert, haven't bottom poured since.
 

Brad

Benevolent Overlord and site owner
Staff member
I bottom poured for 25 years until Rick convinced me to try a ladle. I haven’t bottom poured since then, must be 5 years or more.
 

Winelover

North Central Arkansas
I contemplated the Magma pot. At my age, I don't know how much longer I'm gonna be casting. If I was 10 years younger, I might go that route. Besides, I don't have a dedicated/permanant casting bench. I set up outdoors or in the garage on a Black & Decker Workmate. That would require moving the nearly full pot, everytime I decide to cast.
 
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Rick

Moderator
Staff member
I don't have a dedicated casting bench either, I cast on my loading bench and get out and put away the full Magma pot each time I use it. Not a big thing really.