I cast some round balls for the cap n ball pistols
last night and this morning. A bunch of .375" and .457" for the .36 and .44 pistols. To do that I had to drain the old Lyman lead pot because I had a hard alloy that I use for the centerfire handguns in it, and replace that with pure lead for the round balls.
I had noticed over the last 6 months or so the lead pot was pouring slower and slower. I had not cleaned it in over 20 years so when I finished with the round ball casting I drained the pot, let it cool off and thoroughly cleaned it. I wire brushed the pot and then pulled the drain shut-off rod out of the way and went to work clearing the drain.
It had some rust buildup in it and a lot of slag. I finally turned a propane torch on it and heated it really hot, then ran a small drill bit through it, cleaning it up.
After it cooled off from that I blew it out, made sure everything was in place and refilled it with the alloyed lead. It did not leak!! YAY!
I should have done this years ago.
Some of what I cast last night and early this morning.
![[image]](images/uploaded/2023082301434164e5644dea264.jpg)
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Ele era velho.
Ele era corajoso.
Ele era feio.
I cast some round balls for the cap n ball pistols
by Slow Hand 
, Indiana, Wednesday, August 23, 2023, 04:19 (457 days ago) @ JimT
Look good! I definitely appreciate a bottom pour pot even though it does require some maintenance.
I cast some round balls for the cap n ball pistols
by Paul , Wednesday, August 23, 2023, 08:05 (457 days ago) @ JimT
My Lyman unit needs electrical maintenance, methinks. The last time I used it it wasn't maintaining proper temperature for casting. It could use a good cleaning, too. No telling when I'll have time and around tuit while up north. Had fun casting a couple years ago, although I had to heat the spout with a torch to get it to flow, finally giving up and going to hand pouring instead. Picked it up cheap on the used market, now I know why! 
That's a nice pile of future enjoyment you've got put up!