Around here, scrap places pay 20 bucks for a 5 gallon bucket of wheel weights. I offer to pay the same price and usually gross 100 lbs of good lead ingots. I have buddies at tire shops and other places that save it and give it to me for jigs in return. No big deal, just skim the stuff that doesn't melt. Yes there is a ton of junk but we are dealing with toxic products so...

Also, I have a buddy that works at a casting plant. All casts are run through xray and the machines have lead that must be changed. Usually 1000lbs. I get 400 or so every time they change. Get an ingot mold or old cast iron muffin pan and do all your smolting at one time. Then you always have good clean bars of lead.

I have an old cast iron pan that fits both burners on a Coleman white gas stove. Make sure your lead is dry (no moisture) before you melt.