I thought it was interesting that the modern "Bliemeister" manufacture method still consists of dropping molten lead drops. The difference apparently being the use of heated liquids and inclined surfaces for greater control. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bliemeister_method#Manufacture

In contrast metal bearing balls are manufactured using cold metal working techniques. Sheering, pressing, grinding and polishing some wire. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ball_%28bearing%29#Metal

It seems as if lead should be easier to press into shape than steel so I wonder why the difference in techniques.