I started with mostly Lee casting gear and still use alot of it.

I started borrowing my dad's 20 pound pot with a dipper. I upgraded to a 20 pound bottom pour pot. Somebody above mentioned a thermometer. Good advice. I started with an analog casting thermometer. Knowing your lead temperature helps alot in getting consistent results.

However, PID controllers can be built cheaply on eBay. A PID is basically a digital thermometer that also has a relay to turn power on and off. A probe sits in the molten lead. You set the temperature, and if the lead is too cool, it runs the heating element. Once it's up to temperature, it cuts out.

I've got molds from a variety of makers. You're going to need something to size your bullets most likely. Oh, and a micrometer to check the size before loading is very useful too.

I recommend castboolits.gunloads.com for casting info. Anything you could want to know about casting is in the "sticky" posts there.