My apologies for the rookie questions but I figure this is the best place to ask them....When it comes to casting and reloading I am green as grass, and even though I do not yet have the space to begin the process, I am slowly gathering the equipment to do both. So far I have:
9) about 300 lbs. of lead (150# of Lyman #2 and the rest is assorted scrap lead)
NEED A LOT MORE LEAD
10) a couple of the 10 lb. iron smelting pots
If you plan to smelt lead find an old Dutch oven at a flea market and a turkey frier. Holds a lot more lead. For ingots I use some pans I found on clearance that were supposed to be used for making a Twinkie clone.
I assume that at some point I will want/need to size my bullets.....and since I already have the RCBS bullet puller..... and a set of dies on the way (RCBS carbide with shell holder, extra seater plug and a LEE factory crimp die)....could ya'll suggest a good press to perform that sizing function, bullet pulling and maybe let me use those dies at some time in the future?
You will need to size and lube your cast bullets. If you use a Lee push through sizer any single stage press will do. I would suggest an old RCBS Jr. The bullets will have to be tumble or pan lubed. Couple of good vids on YouTube.
......would a ladle(s) be useful, what size(s) and style?
Get a soup ladle from the dollar store. Make sure it IS NOT ALUMINUM and preferably punched out of a single piece of metal and not solder. Also a slotted spoon of some sort to remove dirt from your melt.