Artists have pencil sets to draw with. They have different numbers and letters. They tell the artist how hard the pencil lead is, soft ='s dark vs hard ='s light lines.

For testing lead ingots take a pencil and draw a line on the ingot, trying to scrape the lead at the same time. If the pencil gouges the lead ingot, the pencil is harder then the lead. If the pencil only draws/leaves a line on the lead ingot. The ingot is harder than the pencil and you should re-test using the next hardest pencil.

Simple but it's surprisingly accurate.

I use a long handled ladle to scoop the lead out of the pot and pour it into ingot molds.

I've slowed down with my shooting, the last couple years I've only burned 200# +/- of lead per year. A lot of it has to do with shooting more high-powers and either rimfire or 35cal pistols/revolvers.