New Ladle, New Method

[ColColt]

I have read much about how bullets will turn out better using a ladle when you have a large single cavity mould, such as the 457125. I had always used the bottom pour method but decided to try the RCBS ladle and give it a go. Today was the first time using it and it felt awkward but after about 25 or so casts with it I started getting the hang of things. Before, using the bottom pour method with the new Hoch mould I recently bought in .40 caliber I would get some 4-5 grains variance. Using the ladle today I randomly picked ten out to weigh and they were within one and a half grains of each other. So, I'm also impressed with the better quality, especially on the nose pour of the Hoch as the bases look much better without any jagged or rounded edges. I think I've found a better method for me with the single cavity moulds.

[country gent]

For big bullets and ingots I perfer the ladle to bottom pour. Its seems so much more consistent. As you become more consistent in operation handling the bullets will become more consistant also. Keep an open mind and alot of lead on hand LOL

[John Boy]

I think I've found a better method for me with the single cavity moulds. Harry Pope wrote for his customers how to cast with a ladle over 100 yrs ago. History repeats itself doesn't it? [smilie=w:

[**oneshot**]

I started with a ladle, tried a bottom pour and gave it back to the person I was going to buy it from and went back to the ladle. I get much better results with it even with the little boolits.

[ColColt]

I don't know if they had multiple cavity moulds in Mr. Pope's days or not but, for the single cavity it's a hands down winner, IMHO. For 2-3 cavity moulds I'll probably still use the bottom pour method. Old habits are hard to break.

[mold maker]

I started (1963) with an enameled pot, on the kitchen stove, and a H&G 45 mold. A bent tablespoon served as a ladle. In 1966 I got a seaco BP furnace, and haven't looked back. Granted, my start up equipment was inadequate, and the BP furnace was light years better. I still find there are molds that respond better to ladle filling, but most casting is now with multi cavity molds, and an RCBS BP furnace.
A lot in determining a preference is from how you learned and habit. The only right way, is the one that works for you.

[Wayne Smith]

I don't know if they had multiple cavity moulds in Mr. Pope's days or not but, for the single cavity it's a hands down winner, IMHO. For 2-3 cavity moulds I'll probably still use the bottom pour method. Old habits are hard to break.

Back in Pope's day they had Armory molds - 10+ cavities! Not everybody, of course, but about every Nat'l Guard Armory and many police departments.

[Spruce]

If you like the RCBS ladle, try a Rowell's bottom pour ladle.

[Wayne Smith]

The only problem with the Rowell, other than the minimum 1/2lb capacity, is the inability to pressure pour. I have a couple of molds that require this for full base fillout.

[gwpercle]

Pressure pouring is the method I keep returning to. Bought a nice big bottom pour pot thinking it had to be better...it wasn't . Way too many rejects. My best still are cast with the old Lyman ladle, with the little side spout, that I started with in 1967. Do like the electric pot though.

Gary

[Rattlesnake Charlie]

The only problem with the Rowell, other than the minimum 1/2lb capacity, is the inability to pressure pour. I have a couple of molds that require this for full base fillout.

I achieve the same effect by pouring with my ladle some distance above the mold. This provides the "pressure" by way of velocity of the alloy entering the mold. I splash some around, but most goes back into the pot over which I pour, with mold resting on edge of pot and angling down into the pot.

The most important consideration with the "bottom pour" vs "ladle" is "what works for you"!

[Spruce]

The Rowell bottom pours come in a lot more sizes than just 1/2lb for those using multi cavitie moulds.

[ColColt]

I still have an old Lyman 45 I bought many, many moons ago but it bit the dust last year and I figured it earned it's keep and I ordered a Lee Pro 20 after reading many accolades about it. I do like the convenience of it especially with 3-4 cavity bullets but after I saw what the ladle method gave me on single cavity large bullets and the very low deviation in weight that's my method from now on.

[preachinpilot]

Amen! Ive tried several ladles, bottom pouring and now cast exclusively with a 1lb Rowell bottom pour. I can cast very fast by sliding the lead in the mold and keeping pressure off thereby alleviating mold flash. Love the rowell.

[ColColt]

I think I may get the Lee Magnum dipper furnace, as it's called, to give my Pro 20 a break and not have to worry with the drip, drip at the spout.

[preachinpilot]

Rowell bottom pour from Car Movers. The only way to pour in my humble opinion.

[detox]

I started with a ladle, tried a bottom pour and gave it back to the person I was going to buy it from and went back to the ladle. I get much better results with it even with the little boolits.

I once thought the same as you. I have now graduated to using both ladle or bottom pour. I like them both

[John Boy]

The trick to cast good small variable weight bullets with any ladle is to insure the spout is beveled to fit deep in the sprue hole - like this

81815

[Gremlin460]

I am new to casting, 3 weeks almost to the day, my $1 ladle bent to the shape i like and a 30lb cast pot, a lee 6cav 125gn 9mm mold returns me 600 boolits wevery 90 mins. I just cant justify $780 for a pro melt. Also a mug off coffee the propane stove hissing quietly and I am happy, I can ladle pour faster than the mold can handle, and will spend the money on powder and primers.
Also my elctricity bill is much lower without adding an electric furnace.
I expect the bottom pour avocates not to like this opinion much, but when the power goes out, I am still makin boolits.

http://s881.photobucket.com/user/Gremlin460/media/IMAG0214_zps3dece6de.jpg.html?sort=3&o=7#/user/Gremlin460/media/IMAG0214_zps3dece6de.jpg.html?sort=3&o=7&_suid=137924296293107562194767405365

http://s881.photobucket.com/user/Gremlin460/media/IMAG0213_zps58a8af27.jpg.html?sort=3&o=9#/user/Gremlin460/media/IMAG0213_zps58a8af27.jpg.html?sort=3&o=9&_suid=137924296796306197203711513162





editied for spelling

[jmort]

^ Pro Melts are about half that here but still crazy expensive in my book. Electricity cost is very low with an electric pot which are very efficient. I'm sure the propane cost is probably similar but I like simple and what you are doing makes sense, just not sure the energy costs are very different. Free wood is the best way to zero out your energy costs.