Proper temperature for casting roundball

[Smokey]

When melting lead, what temperature should the lead be in order to get good roundball? 

[Nessmuk]

I'm  no expert but I  cast at 625°F to 675° and get good results.

[Smokey]

I'm  no expert but I  cast at 625°F to 675° and get good results.

What are you using for a thermometer?  How are you measuring temperatures?

[Nessmuk]

I use an Infrared  thermometer  from Harbor  Freight  about $30. I check the middle of the pot every 30 minutes  or so. If you're  patient  some real experts  will chime in shortly.

[Bigsmoke]

I got this off the Internet when I did a search on your question.

Choose a heat source as well as equipment used only for melting. A cast-iron skillet, aluminum slotted spoon, and aluminum ladle make a good starter set for DIY lead melting, but make sure you use them only for this task—never for cooking food! Since lead melts at 621 °F (327 °C), you also need a powerful yet reasonably safe heat source.

In addition, I have found better results when I was casting larger diameter round ball (.820 and .980) if the temperature was hotter than that.  IIRC, the .980 ball seemed to like 750 degrees.  .610 and .715 liked 700 degrees, and I think .535 and smaller came out nice at 650.  I never really enjoyed casting ball, so I just went for what seemed to work and didn't show inferior results.

Enjoy!!

John (Bigsmoke)

[Fyrstyk]

I usually start casting once the temp reaches 700 degrees.  I use a lead thermometer to determine temp, and when more lead is added to the pot I suspend casting until the temp comes back up.

[Smokey]

Thanks, for the good info. 

[Rocklock]

I really prefer an ambient temperature 80* F or below. 😁