To make lead counterweights for my trebuchet I melted lead pellets used
for reloading shotgun shells. You can buy bags of them at Gander
mountain, or another sporting goods store. All the usual precautions
about fumes of course apply,
cheers,
David
P.S. I use the same source for lead to melt and dip my fingers in, it's
a strange way to make a living....