When someone is new I don't recommend them using reclaimed shot because a lot of it is harder alloy that can make certain molds tough to pour for a newbie. I get lead from Rotometals because I know what I'm getting, which for me is the 3%-5% antimonial lead. For someone just getting into this get some pure soft lead in 1lb ingots, it cost a little more getting the smaller ingots but they are easier to work with depending on what you are using to melt them down with. A lot of reclaimed shot isn't just from factory loads, a lot are custom alloys that guys make themselves for sporting clays and they are mostly harder alloys which is why I don't recommend people just getting into casting lead to purchase it, it is much cheaper but the reason is because they can't tell you what you are getting.
