Solder pot for making shot?? HELP

[Keith Parrish]

Have recieved FREE a solder pot which I would like to use to make buckshot/slugs/anything shootable. The problem is that after 3 hours the solder doesn't melt should I dig out the solder which is in the pot and start anew, it is possible that someone put in lead free solder which may need a higher temp to melt? Should I dig into the guts and look for the heating element and try to replace it? If that's the case where might I find one to replace the bad one with? It has a nice sized crucible which holds 2 pounds. The pot itself is not 4 years old as my company bought it in 2007. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!! Thanks in advance...