Abstract: A nozzle for a steel pouring ladle having upper and lower nozzle portions and a stopper rod attached to a lower nozzle portion. The upper nozzle portion includes an upper nozzle housing and an upper nozzle core positioned within the upper nozzle housing, the upper nozzle core having a bore therethrough. The lower nozzle portion includes a lower nozzle housing and a lower nozzle core positioned within the housing, the lower nozzle core having a flow chamber. A retaining ring secures the lower nozzle core to the lower nozzle housing. A stopper rod is positioned within the bore of the upper nozzle core and is threadedly attached to the lower nozzle core. The stopper rod selectively engages the upper nozzle core at an upper tapered surface of the bore to form a liquid tight seal and to control the flow of molten metal through the nozzle.