Your history of casting.

[dusty texian]

While your fixing the bottom pour , why not heat up some lead in a pot with hotplate or propane stove ? Set your mold near the heat so it warms up with the lead . Don't expect the first few bullets to look good , they will not until the mold and lead gets to temp . I allow the first few bullets to sit in the mold much longer during the warm the mold process than when it is up to temp and casting good filled out bullets . The practice of pouring and working the mold will get easier as you do it more . Relax enjoy it . ,,,DT

[King Medallion]

Ordered a hotplate yesterday, and another set of handles so I can go with 2 mold at the same time. I think that was the biggest issue, the mold was not near hot enough. Thanks for the tips.
KM

[Blackpowder Burn]

FWIW, I use an RCBS pot with a built-in PID temperature controller.  It was actually relatively inexpensive (less than $150 when I bought it) and holds the alloy temperature rock steady.  I cast at 825 degrees and get beautiful bullets.