I couldn't begin to count how many pounds of dirty wheel weights I've melted in a Lee 10 lb. bottom pour, then used the same pot to pour thousands of bullets. I did break down and buy another new 10 lb., and I do try to use it for pouring bullets. I also have a brand new 20 lb. somewhere, but after several moves, it still must be at the bottom of a pile somewhere!
Every caster has their special way of doing things. I keep it simple. I used toilet gasket wax for flux on a trial basis, now stick with Marvelux. Odd thing is, contrary to what some claim, it works just fine. I skim off the crap every so often, and usually can cast some nice bullets. My rifles and handguns don't seem to mind.
I enjoy casting, making ingots, etc.. I lube most bullets with good old Lee Liquid Alox. If the rifle bullets are to be pushed a bit, I also hand apply some blue lube (forget the name) to the grooves.
Sometimes, I think casting is made out to be a complex process and the impression left is that you must do this and that or it will be a waste of time. BTW, I use Lee molds almost exclusively. I have shot literally thousands of Tumble Lube bullets out of my handguns. I only size them if they won't chamber. Otherwise, pour, tumble lube, load and FIRE!!!!
