Best type of pot to melt lead in?

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Moptop

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Well it looks like my buddy and I are going to try our hands at casting bullets & RB's. I just wanted to know what would be the best kind of pot to use for melting, steel or cast iron, or does it really matter? I know not to use an aluminum one. We're going to use a hot plate at first to see if this is something we can do before we start investing in more expensive equipment. My Dad & I made plenty of fishing weights when I was a kid so I've got a good idea of what to do...and what not to do.


Thanks in advance for any suggestions! Pictures would be cool too.
 
I like the dutch oven type of pots made of cast iron. Sturdy and damn near unbreakable.

Also, a turkey frying burner is about perfect for outdoor propane fueled melting/casting. You should ensure it's sturdy! Last thing you need is a wobbly pot of molten metal!

Ed

bcsq14_high_propane_burner.jpg
 
I'd guess you're going to get very frustrated trying to use a hotplate. . ..but it might work.

FWIW - harbor freight had cast iron dutch ovens for $12 last time I was there.
 
Cast iron with a lid works very well. The lid will help it get up to temp. quicker.

I tried the hotplate route and couldn't ever get enough heat for a complete melt.
(1000watt GE from Walmart)
 
I agree with most I use an old dutch oven and turkey fryer to melt down, clean and flux, and pour small ingots outside. Then I use a LEE 10lb pour pot inside to do the actual casting.
 
Melting pot

While the above mentioned cast iron dutch ove is great, a more sensible solution may be the Lyman starting kit. Comes with 10lb pot, ladle, and ingot mold. The next higher kit included the lubrisizer. Your going to need this lubrisizer for your bullets.

Just my 2 cents worth
 
I use a six quart cast iron dutch oven with lid. You can get them at Harbor Freight for under $20. I use a Bayou Classic burner and it will melt lead fast.
Rusty
ry%3D400.jpg
 
Harbor Freight no help!

Well I did some melting & casting this weekend. I had to resort to a cheapo aluminum pot from Dollar General. My wonderful Harbor Freight no longer carries the dutch oven as store stock. Sure, I can order it but I'm not too keen on the shipping. The D/G pot worked just fine. I did have to use a turkey frier burner for the heat source. My hot plate, (I know, I was told) did not have enough umphf to melt even a small amount. I managed to cast a bunch of cupcake ingots and about 50 rounds of .457 RB for my 58' Reminigton wheel gun. I guess I'm just going to have to break down and buy a Lee pot from Grafs for indoor casting. I believe that would be the safest way to go rather than me trying to build something and burning the house down in the process! :fire:

Thank you all for your help and input. It is very much appreciated.
 

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anything except aluminum!!!!!!
the temp is only a few hundred degrees different to melt lead & aluminum & when the aluminum lets go it ain`t purty ,none at all!!!!
steel anything, stainless is thin & strong , cast is good easier to control temp with .

don`t ask how i know !!!!!!


GP100man
 
Dad used to use old aluminum food cans on the electric stove to melt his lead.
Small quantities and a constant watch.
 
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