Until I got pour rate and mold temp figured out (each mold likes it own, imagine that) I would pour a little lead into an ingot mold before starting to pour in the casting mold. That made sure the nozzle was clear and up to temp. One of those cast iron ears of corn muffin pans works great on my RCBS or lyman pots. When one ear gets full or starts splashing lead, just slide it left or right for a fresh one.
Each mold will tell you what alloy temp and pour rate it likes. Don't be afraid to explore but listen to the mold. You can always remelt and recast mistakes and gain the hands on experience necessary.