Shot sleeve insert and method of retarding heat erosion within a shot sleeve bore

A die casting assembly for moving molten aluminum dispensed from a pour hole and into a mold cavity, comprising:

• a shot sleeve, the shot sleeve having a sleeve bore continuously extending therethrough from a first sleeve end to a second sleeve end which is positioned proximate the mold cavity, the shot sleeve further having a groove radially positioned between the first sleeve end and the second sleeve end and positioned around the pour hole;
• a cap connected to the shot sleeve, the cap being configured to cover and seal the first sleeve end;
• a plunger slidably positioned in the sleeve bore and through the cap;
• and
• a Schedule 40 cast iron insert having a first end, a second end and a body disposed between the first end and the second end, the body having a pour aperture, the Schedule 40 cast insert being sized and shaped to removeably position within the groove to communicate with the pour aperture with the pour hole whereby the molten aluminum that is dispensed from the pour hole and into the pour aperture initially contacts the Schedule 40 cast iron insert when the aluminum flows onto the Schedule 40 cast iron insert such that the Schedule 40 cast iron insert withstands heat erosion effects applied by the molten aluminum to provide a smooth path for the plunger as the plunger reciprocates within the sleeve bore and pushes the molten aluminum into the mold cavity.