What # do you cast at?

[45pro]

What number do you cast at on your Lee pot?

[Mike W1]

Without a thermometer you're guessing pure and simple. Actually you're running a guessing game sometimes with one. Have 2 Production Pot IV's. 700 degrees is a 4 on one pot and a 8 on the other.

[mktacop]

Before I built a PID controller, I normally cast at about 4-5....depended on what my thermometer was reading.

[HangFireW8]

I have two Lee pots, a 10# and a 20#, and the numbers have nothing to do with each other. The 10# (recently rebuilt) I run on 10 constantly in cold weather. The 20# I run at 6 in cold weather, or just crank it up to 10 and then dial it down with the router speed control (constant heat).

[mooman76]

Usually about 6 1/2 but with pure lead more like 7 1/2 or 8.

[knifemaker]

My Lee 10 pounder is normally ran at about half way between 4 and 5 and that keeps it at 700-725 until the pot gets half way down and the temp starts going up to 750.

[stubshaft]

6 1/2 although the number is arbitrary.

[MT Gianni]

I generally cast @ 650-720 F. To get there I run my Lee pot between 6-9 depending on filled level.

[sabrecross03]

around 5 on the 20lb pot

[buyobuyo]

I run at around 4 which gets me ~750 degrees.

[MikeS]

The number the pot is set on makes no difference. What does make a difference is what temp the pot is at. With the Lee pots, no 2 are the same, so while I might use #4 to get 650F you might need to use #3 or #7 or #6, so stating what number I use is a useless thing to post. I actually keep my pot on the highest setting, and have a PID controller maintain 650F.

[2ndAmendmentNut]

Maybe this is wrong but I run my Lyman Mag20 wide open. I sit up wind (if no wind I get a fan) and keep a few molds in rotation.

[reloader28]

For making #4 buckshot, I use 8 on the dial. I dont know how hot that is, but its turning red if you let it set. Its just right if your adding ingots as your casting.

Most times I use 5 1/2-6 1/2.
But, this is hot enough to let me add a 1/2lb ingot every little bit and keep right on casting.

[WD2A7X3]

3.5-4

[Ole]

Around 6 when it's full. Slowly turn it down to around 4-5, as the pot empties.

I try to run my lead around 650 degrees.

[Inkman]

Between 5 & 6 when casting. I crank it up high when melting the first pot of lead.

Used to cast around 700-750 but backed that down to 650-700 using a thermometer. Bullets cast just as good and less time cooling down the mold.

Al

[GLynn41]

no thermameter-- seems best at 8 or there abouts-- I have 20# LEE DIPPER

[1Shirt]

Highes setting! Like some frosting!
1Shirt!:coffee:

[geargnasher]

My Lee Pro 4-20 runs 675 on setting 8 when brimming full, about 6 when 3/4 full, 5 when half, and 4 to 4-1/2 at 1/3. Below that both my thermometer and PID thermocouple probe are too far out of the melt to be accurate.

Gear

[Ronbo256]

If I want to keep the temp constant I have to turn down the thermostat as the lead level decreases, about like geargnasher. I finally built a PID so I didn't have to keep fiddling with the dial to keep my pot temps below 800. The built in thermostat will hold a pretty good level temp until I start drawing down lead, and a 6 cavity mold will really make a difference. My boolits are 100% more filled out since I built and starting using the PID, I like to walk that line between frosty and shiny, the PID makes that a snap!

[Bill*]

As said by others, the number varies with the pot. Mine likes 7 or 8 ( kept 3/4 to full ). That number would change if pot got lower I'm sure.

[geargnasher]

+1 Ronbo. Speaking only of my pots, the Lee thermostat will hold a constant temperature just about forever provided the lead level doesn't change, but as you drain it down the temp goes up dramatically, that's the distinction I was trying to make.

Gear

[Wolfer]

+1 Ronbo. Speaking only of my pots, the Lee thermostat will hold a constant temperature just about forever provided the lead level doesn't change, but as you drain it down the temp goes up dramatically, that's the distinction I was trying to make.

Gear

Same for me. I'll start at about 7 but turn it down as I go along. Once my molds are hot ill turn it down as far as I can a little at a time as long as I get good fillout.
Usually about 5 or 6 on hollow points

[MaineJim]

My 20 lb Lee runs at 790 degrees when set at 5.5 till it gets halfway down and then i add metal to keep temps constant.

[sabrecross03]

Sounds very interesting. Can you provide more details? Maybe a schematic? thanks.



If I want to keep the temp constant I have to turn down the thermostat as the lead level decreases, about like geargnasher. I finally built a PID so I didn't have to keep fiddling with the dial to keep my pot temps below 800. The built in thermostat will hold a pretty good level temp until I start drawing down lead, and a 6 cavity mold will really make a difference. My boolits are 100% more filled out since I built and starting using the PID, I like to walk that line between frosty and shiny, the PID makes that a snap!

[midnight]

I rarely look at the setting, Just go by what your thermometer says. PID is the way to go. Some day I'll get the courage to put one on my RCBS.

Bob

[boltons75]

Before I built a PID controller, I normally cast at about 4-5....depended on what my thermometer was reading.

So, what is a Pid controller?

Always carry, never tell.

[snuffy]

Here's a couple of threads showing the installation of a pid controller.

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=115724

http://www.castboolits.gunloads.com/...&highlight=PID

[youngda9]

355C give or take. Constantly adding lead, so the temp fluctuates a bit, the PID controller controlls to 355C.

[mktacop]

Check the links in Snuffy's post above. A PID controller will GREATLY simplify your ability to maintain a constant temp while casting. The can be put together for about $100 (or less) and are worth every penny. Mine will maintain the temp I set +/- 2 degrees unless I'm dropping the sprues back in between casts. Then it varies +/- 8-10 degrees.

[TNFrank]

I crank it all the way up until the lead starts to melt then I'll back it off to 7.5 or 7.25 and as the pot empties I'll back it off to around 7. Less lead in the pot means less power to keep it melted.

[Shedhunter]

I run my 20lb pot at about 6 with a full pot but turn it down to 5 as it empties. A thermometer helps me keep a good temp.

[largom]

With all of the various settings used you should get the hint that you need a thermometer.

Larry

[AR-15 Cowboy]

Mine runs at 8 when its full and 6 at the half way point.

[lead chucker]

When my ten pound is full it's 6.5 and as the level drops I start to turn it down and usually end up at four. Or if my bullets are starting to frost then I turn it down.

[1bluehorse]

I try to keep my melt around 750, thats usually between 6 and 7 full to almost empty on my Lee pot. Haven't tried the RCBS pots yet..don't know anything about the Lyman but if it holds it's temp as well as the RCBS is supposed to I think I would look into one of those for a couple hundred before I paid 75 or so dollars for a Lee and then stick another hundred into it. Kinda takes away from the "inexpensive" pot idea to me...but thats just me.....

[fcvan]

I have never used a thermometer as i don't own one. I always used the sprew and boolit as a guage. The Lee Pro IV 110v buzzes somewhat when it cycles and I listen tothat as well. When casting, I set an ingot on the top edge of the pot to pre-heat and try to keep the pot at the same level.

I cast in all kinds of weather and I find myself adjusting the temp depending on the current conditions. If the melt and molds are too hot I can bring the temp down by adding a cool ingot and turn the knob down a half notch. Then I listen for the buzz, watch the sprew, and inspect the boolit.
One of these days I will get a thermometer, but i haven't needed one in 35 years of casting. For now I am using instinct and trying to learn more from others on the forum. Frank

[T-Bird]

I used a thermometer and a Lee pot for a while till they crapped out. Now I ladle cast, use a fish cooker for heat, if my boolets aren't filling out well even with rapid casting, I turn it up. If they frost,(which they almost never do) I turn it down. I think sometimes we over think this stuff.