The Lee leaks-a-lot has bit the big one...burned up. The second one leaks a steady stream non stop and no amount of tinkering stops it. They were both bought new in mid seventies so they don't owe anyone a thing. I can probably swap out parts and get something going but there is a Lyman ladle in the drawer. I just never was good with the ladle. I get most consistency with force feeding but soooo much flash from vents.

I hope to give it a try Saturday. I do have a thermometer since I last tried so at least I can keep heat regulated.

Some folks really like ladle casting, I did not and got a Lee pot as soon as they were available. A few years ago I shelved my Lee pots and bought RCBS. Works much better. I'll say the ladle worked fine when I started out but was too slow for me and made a mess.

Ladle casting works best for long heavy bullets where consistency in weight is of up most importance. The old timers use giant ladles & gang molds to bulk cast but for the hobby caster a bottom pour pot is probably best & the pot Cherokee uses, the RCBS, may very well be the best.