In my case I cast with a small Lee Dipper pot. So once a year I have put together a batch of alloy to run with. I prefer about half COWW and half range scrap, with some tin added.
I like to leave it a little on the soft side, around that 10 bhn mark. Suitable for Pistol loads, and with the addition of a little more tin rifle.
I don't flux in my casting pot, never really seen the need. I do scrap off scum off the top a couple of times.
For years I did everything on the kitchen stove with a cast iron pan. But the little Lee Dipper pot is perfect for sitting down and casting a hundred whenever I am in the mood.
I just bought a big cast dutch oven and will be smelting a big batch one of these days.
I have 150# of COWW waiting in the wings and some range scrap.
YMMV