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