I have been going back and forth on which melting pot to get. I wanted one of the two that comes with the PID controller. Either the RCBS Pro Melt 2 or the Lyman Mag 25. I have finally decided on going with the analog controlled Lee Pro 4 20lb instead. The PIDs are priced at ~$260 and the Pro 4 at ~$77.My plan is to build my own PID controller for the Lee pot. I can build one for ~ $50 or less in a nice compact package with fused inputs and outputs. It will utilize a solid state relay to control power to the Lee pot. I'll use a K-type probe for monitoring the melt. I am a retired electronics tech and the build seems very simple and inexpensive now that I have looked at all of the pieces needed.My thinking beyond saving ~$130 (which will buy some lead or a nice NOE 4 cavity mold) is that if the pot or the PID controller goes bad, I can more cheaply replace/repair either one instead of a $260 built-in one. I can also use the separate DIY PID controller for other stuff too, like melting down wheel weights at a controlled temp to sort out zinc weights which melt at a higher temp than lead. Anyways, just my thoughts.
Trig, W-W may be much harder than what you want. Have you checked with a recycling metal scrap yard? I find a LOT of both pure lead,and indoor range lead fro PD's that are pure in jackets. The Jackets simply float to th4e surface. I've Been paying around a buck a pound or less. I do add a tiny bit of Tin for crisp fill out. Mike
Trig, I don't know what kind of range it is, however, it may very well be full of Antimony. Bad choice for the AG's. Same issues as with wheel weights, but eve nor so. A few people have used my private range, an I find bullets that are hard a rocks. You don't want such thing is you melt. Many scrap yards have pure in the forum of vent tubes from homes and commercial buildings. It is super source to find, pure, and low cost. Much of it has tar, or silicone sealer on it, but comes off in the cleaning in the smelting poot. Don't put any lead into you casting pot before cleaning it.
Personally I use only pure lead but I'm using it only for .25 and .22 caliber pellets and slugs.
well twist rate and fpe is going to tell you what rounds are right... that and seeing what has worked for other Slayer owners...