Are you a dipper?

[Bnt55]

Little tongue in cheek on the post title, just wondering how many of you dip out of a lead pot VS bottom pour? My Lee 4 #20 is just dripping way to much to use and I was thinking about turning it in to a ladle pot or just buying another bottom pour. I noticed Lee has a newer design that doesn't use that confounded pan head adjustment screw to adjust flow, not sure if Cabelas sells that model or not.

[missionary5155]

Experience shows us some molds cast better with a dipper. Others do not seem to matter.....
Then there is the "what do I want to do today".... Some days I just like to use a dipper.

[country gent]

I dipper cast,my pot is a 120 lb gas fired pot. I use several different dippers depending on what Im doing. I find the long heavy bullets I cast are more consistent with the dippers. I cast 38 caliber to 45 caliber in heaver weights. most are 1.3"-1.4" long. Some have a insert for cup bases.

My ladles are lyman, RCBS, and a rowel. the Lyman and RCBS have been modified by drilling out the spouts to .205 chamfering the inside edge and truing the taper on the end improving the flow and seal.

I over pour my moulds when casting. I make the dip by going to the bottom of the pot then a swirl and out. This helps keep the pot blended and gets to the hottest metal. The mould hangs over the pot and the full ladle is poured into the cavity until empty letting the excess runs back in the pot. I get a very consistent sprue to draw from and the base is kept molten much longer than normal improving fill and off gassing. Most days with the 20-1 alloy a 4 hour run will be with in .5 grains for the run after sorting for visual defects. I also when starting throw the first 10-15 casts back in the pot. This starts the tun with the mould in a more normal state.

[georgerkahn]

Little tongue in cheek on the post title, just wondering how many of you dip out of a lead pot VS bottom pour? My Lee 4 #20 is just dripping way to much to use and I was thinking about turning it in to a ladle pot or just buying another bottom pour. I noticed Lee has a newer design that doesn't use that confounded pan head adjustment screw to adjust flow, not sure if Cabelas sells that model or not.

No, I am not a dipper. I have three operable bottom-pour units -- two Lyman Mould Masters and one RCBS Pro-melt, all of which are bottom pour. I am not consistent enough or ???? to have reliable success using dipping/pouring, and even invested in both Rowland (sp?) and RCBS pour ladles... While dipper-cast bullets I see range buddies using are great -- again, I seem to have better success with the bottom pour.

[ioon44]

I am not a dipper I use a RCBS Pro-melt.

[GregLaROCHE]

Those Lee pots like to drip, but if you are willing to tinker with them they can get the job done. If your pot has had a lot of use, maybe lapping the valve and seat can improve things.

[brassrat]

I have only used one Lyman dipper or the other

[dverna]

I have both.

[Bnt55]

Those Lee pots like to drip, but if you are willing to tinker with them they can get the job done. If your pot has had a lot of use, maybe lapping the valve and seat can improve things.

I have tried everything with that pot, she is just worn out. I will keep it for using as parts or maybe as a dipper

[gwpercle]

I started out with a dipper ... read here how much better bottom pour was ... used two different bottom pour pots for about 5 years and discovered I get my best boolits with 1 , 2 , 3 &4 cavity moulds when pressure casting with a dipper .
I gave my bottom pour to a member who lost his stuff in a house fire and bought a Lee Magnum Melter 20 lb . and went back to dipping with a Lyman dipper that has the side spout .
I want good boolits , near perfect and the bottom pour produced lots of imperfect boolits ... pressure casting with a dipper produces lots of near perfect boolits ... and since it was how I learned ...it's the way I enjoy doing it most .
The 20# Lee Magnum Melter is a winner if you want to dip ... !
Gary

[Dusty Bannister]

I am pretty much full time with the bottom pour pots, both Lee 10 and 20 and have added the PID for better temp control. I do dip when casting alloy test samples for the hardness testing of scrap lead batches so I have consistent samples to test. Clean alloy and not attempting to adjust the flow rate on the 20 pound Lee seems to decrease the drip problems. I prefer the full on and full off when casting. Might get a little sloppy, but a fast fill does a better job of getting well filled out castings.

[brass410]

First thought this was about a big fat dip of chaw which I dont do LOL. I dip and pour so I guess I'm two fisted.

[osage]

I started out as a dipper over four decades ago, RB 375, RB 440 and conical for 36 cap & ball. I don't recall manufacturers of small pot and ladle. As I recall I had have my dad go with me to a Des Moines area GS to purchase BP as I wasn't old enough.
I still have all those molds and equipment. Using a 10lb Lee these days.

[toallmy]

Little tongue in cheek on the post title, just wondering how many of you dip out of a lead pot VS bottom pour? My Lee 4 #20 is just dripping way to much to use and I was thinking about turning it in to a ladle pot or just buying another bottom pour. I noticed Lee has a newer design that doesn't use that confounded pan head adjustment screw to adjust flow, not sure if Cabelas sells that model or not.

I picked up a older style valve assembly Lee 4/20 bottom pore pot from a member here a couple years ago , that's when I realized why a lot of people have trouble with them . After replacing the old style valve adjustment system with the new assembly that older pot runs right beside the newest 4/20 . The newer assembly that just has the threaded plunger with a slot in it for adjustment works much better than the older one with the extra screw for adjustment . For a few bucks to Lee you can replace the older style turning your old pot into a new pot .
I do both dip from the top & dump out the bottom

[Walks]

I started out dipping, in 1962. I was 8yrs old.
Moved to bottom pour Pro-Melt in 1975, was 21.
Still dip Pure for Black Powder. And in taking samples of Alloys.

[Greg S]

I started out as a dipper and had problems getting good fill out and bases on MP's 32 cal and 475 molds. I did some research and learned how to pressure cast and problem solved.

About a year into casting and recovered from the initial expense of getting set up, I found an old RCBS Pro Melt on the BST for a decent price before anyone else did and snagged it. I assembled it and got it going but could not get the quality I.was used to casting with a ladle.

Since, I've built a couple of PIDs and use one with my Lee 20 pound pot and it has increased the consistency. I have since contemplated building my own 60 pound pot, buying one or just picking up the new RCBS pot.

I guess I'm just a ladler for life.

[Mytmousemalibu]

My Lee 4-20 started dripping enough it pissed me off and I locked it down. Got tired of messing with it, even lapped the rod/spout. I made some bottom pour ladles from stainless condiment ladles, works very well for me. Im sold on casting that way now.

[imashooter2]

I dipper cast for 20+ years before moving to a bottom pour. The bottom pour is so convenient that I’ll never go back.

[stubshaft]

I started out as a bottom pour guy in the 60's and by the 70's had become a hard-core dipper. I gives me much more control over the lead stream.

[Mk42gunner]

I do both. I feel that I get better results by using an RCBS ladle than by bottom pouring with any of my three bottom pour pots; a Lee Production pot IV, a Lee 4-20, or an original RCBS Promelt. The Lee ten pounder is the only one that I have had a deluge of melted lead from; although both the 4-20 and the Promelt drip, the Promelt occasionally while the 4-20 tends to self limit if I am ladle casting from it.

I bought one of the Lee Magnum Melter furnaces just before the pandemic hit and I have to say if I had bought it first, I might not have went down the bottom pour road. Bottom pouring is fine for up close plinkers; for rifle boolits, I definitely prefer the ladle.

Robert

[high standard 40]

I am strictly a bottom pour caster. I have an RCBS Pro melt and a Lee 4-20, both with a PID. I cast 22 cal 55 gr -- 7mm 145 gr -- 32 cal 100 gr -- 35 cal 140, 158, and 200 gr -- 30 cal 210 gr -- 40 cal 180 gr -- 44 cal 225, 240, 265 gr -- 45 cal 230 gr. So none of mine are long, large caliber bullets. I have tried ladle casting and truly don't care for it. I can't imagine getting better quality, consistent results than I'm getting with my bottom pour. I'm a competition shooter and I'm kinda OCD. But i will say that I spent a great deal of time with each mold I have to learn exactly what technique it liked to get good results. Mold temp, alloy temp, cadence, all play a role as well as how close you hold the sprue plate to the bottom pour spout and how you adjust the flow rate. My PID also contributed greatly to getting good results. Each of my molds has it's likes and dislikes. I keep notes specific to each mold so I can repeat my results. In the end, do what works for you and makes you happy. For me, it's bottom pour only.

[376Steyr]

A Rowell #1 bottom pour ladle saved me from a life of fighting with drips and the occasional catastrophic pot dump.

[lightman]

I'm a bottom pour guy with an RCBS ProMelt. But we started with a 10# cast iron pot on a Coleman stove. I believe my bullets are just as good. I still have that Lyman Ladle but I don't know where the cast iron pot got off to. I believe it was a Lyman too.

[GhostHawk]

Won't have a bottom pour in the house. Been down that road once, and it was before the internet and all the smart guys figured all this stuff out.

Main pot is a 20 lb Magnum Melter, strictly a dipper pot. Have 2 small 4 lb dipper pots, one bought used here very reasonable. One new with thermostat. Both work fine. I have one pretty much dedicated to tin/pewter, other is a spare.

Loved the Magnum melter from the day I got it.

[Bigslug]

I was born with only two hands, which leaves me about four short of the amount that seems necessary for ladle casting.

Started with a Lyman pot that was also drippy. Went RCBS and have been totally satisfied. The stop screw that controls your rate of flow is easily adjusted on the fly while wearing gloves, so you can keep your pour rate even as your pot runs empty.

[oley55]

Experience shows us some molds cast better with a dipper. Others do not seem to matter.....
Then there is the "what do I want to do today".... Some days I just like to use a dipper.

^^^ without having yet read other replies. I have found that some molds/bullets just will not bottom pour, no matter how I hold my mouth. It was difficult to accept the reality, but it is what it it is.

[Bnt55]

I didnt realize there were different kind of ladles for dipping until I got my copy of the Lyman Cast Bullets book and on the cover is a pour style ladle. I've always used an old cast iron ladle with a notch to direct flow. I will occasionally pour large fishing sinkers and they seem to do better with a ladle.

[Wag]

I dip.

BTW, what is meant by "pressure casting?"

--Wag--

[imashooter2]

I dip.

BTW, what is meant by "pressure casting?"

--Wag--

Where you put the spout of the ladle or furnace against the sprue hole and the weight of the lead column aids in fill out.

[Eddie Southgate]

I do both but use bottom pour pots . Thought about buying a dedicated dip pot but haven't so far . I been dipping out of the old SAECO pots for well over 50 years and never felt at any disadvantage .

[slim1836]

Dipping was the only way I stopped smoking 20 years ago, now if only I can stop dipping. At least I gave my lungs a break.

BTW, I only cast boolits from the bottom, save the ladling for rendering wheel weights.

Slim

[M-Tecs]

I didnt realize there were different kind of ladles for dipping until I got my copy of the Lyman Cast Bullets book and on the cover is a pour style ladle. I've always used an old cast iron ladle with a notch to direct flow. I will occasionally pour large fishing sinkers and they seem to do better with a ladle.

The Rowell bottom pour ladles are hard to bet due to the self-skimming feature. This is my favorite. https://www.rotometals.com/casting-ladle-bottom-pour-rowell-2-2-1-2-bowl-diameter-10-handle-length/

[oley55]

Dipping was the only way I stopped smoking 20 years ago, now if only I can stop dipping. At least I gave my lungs a break.

BTW, I only cast boolits from the bottom, save the ladling for rendering wheel weights.

Slim

same for me in 1978.

[oldblinddog]

Rowell bottom pour ladle.

[Wag]

Where you put the spout of the ladle or furnace against the sprue hole and the weight of the lead column aids in fill out.

Ah. Thank you. It's what I do, I just didn't know it was called that.

--Wag--

[porthos]

i dip. get perfect bullets that way.

[tmanbuckhunter]

Both. For BPCR bullets, and most big heavy rifle bullets in general I ladle pour. Pistol and plinking fodder gets bottom poured.

[GregLaROCHE]

The Rowell bottom pour ladles are hard to bet due to the self-skimming feature. This is my favorite. https://www.rotometals.com/casting-ladle-bottom-pour-rowell-2-2-1-2-bowl-diameter-10-handle-length/

That’s a neat idea for a ladle. Does it ever get gunked from impurities up and the flow slows down?

[bangerjim]

I only dip with my Rowell ladles when I need to. Too slow going for me! Only 3 of my many molds are fussy and need to be used that way. Otherwise, I crank 600-800 perfect boolits with bottom pour and 6 cav brass molds.

And do not forget "pressure casting" using the 4-20. By forcing the Pb into the mold under its own head pressure in the pot, you can many times get excellent drops and forget the ladle slow-down. Just put the nozzle right down in the sprue hole..................and watch out for squirting Pb!!!!!!!!!!

[SSGOldfart]

I have both.

Same here I do both.

[Old Caster]

I only dip with my Rowell ladles when I need to. Too slow going for me! Only 3 of my many molds are fussy and need to be used that way. Otherwise, I crank 600-800 perfect boolits with bottom pour and 6 cav brass molds.

And do not forget "pressure casting" using the 4-20. By forcing the Pb into the mold under its own head pressure in the pot, you can many times get excellent drops and forget the ladle slow-down. Just put the nozzle right down in the sprue hole..................and watch out for squirting Pb!!!!!!!!!!

This is correct and also important when pressure pouring from a pot is the speed the alloy comes out of the pot and how high the lead level is. If the stream is too fast it may give you a void in the base and if the pot is too full, it may squirt out past your connection between the mold and the spout. For large BPCR bullets, I always pressure pour with a homemade ladle that holds quite a lot of lead for more pressure and if shooting in competition with pistols I always pressure pour my pistol bullets from the bottom but for just typical shooting, I bottom pour without pressure but even then, temperature, which bullet size, alloy, bullet length, and what the mold is made of matters. After a while you can get to where you can decide what is necessary and make your changes as needed.

[GregLaROCHE]

Dipping was the only way I stopped smoking 20 years ago, now if only I can stop dipping. At least I gave my lungs a break.

BTW, I only cast boolits from the bottom, save the ladling for rendering wheel weights.


Slim

A good friend has been on his last can of Copenhagen for the twenty five years.

[LarryM]

Started casting 20 some odd years ago with a small cast iron pot on an ancient Coleman stove converted to propane. Did pretty well for years casting with a dipper. Scored a well seasoned Lee bottom pour furnace in a trade deal and gave it a try. Second time I used it , it damn near electrocuted me, back to the cast iron pot. 7-8 years ago I bought a new Lee 4-20 pot and got comfortable with the bottom pour but the dripping just kept getting worse over time no matter how much I fussed with it. I also started casting big bullets for .45-70 BPCR loads and bottom pour wasn't getting it done. took the bottom pour mechanism out of the Lee pot and sealed the hole with a big screw, back to dipper casting.
Now that I'm retired I'm looking at getting a bigger Lyman or RCBS furnaces and just can't quite make up my mind on a bottom pour or dipper furnace.

[iron brigade]

I used the Lee 10 and 20 lb bottom drippers for about 20 years. I did what I could trying to keep them from constantly dripping and eventually seized up and just used them as ladle casting.

About five years ago I bought the rcbs easy melt. It is a ladle casting pot and has been excellent. Set to your desired temperature and cast away.
I think there is a place for both, I mostly shoot military rifles so it works for me.