What Is Cerrosafe™
Brownell's wrote:Cerrosafe™ casting alloy is used any time a “positive” copy must be made
of a rifle, shotgun or handgun chamber, neck, throat or bore. Chamber casts
are used to determine the caliber of an unknown or unmarked firearm, and
to verify the marked caliber if it is suspected that the original chamber has
been altered. It is also used to check dimensions and condition of the neck,
throat, and bore to help determine bullet fit and case neck turning requirements.
Cerrosafe shrinks slightly during initial cooling. It then expands to the
chamber’s original size about one hour after cooling to room temperature.
After cooling for about 200 hours, the chamber cast will expand about .0025"
over the actual chamber size. Cerrosafe is completely reusable; the chamber
cast can be remelted and reused after all necessary measurements have
been taken.
Cerrosafe™ is on sale occasionally for as little as $10/lb. Current prices range from $19-$24 per 1/2 lb. Expensive if you don't re-use it.Brownell's wrote:HOW TO USE
Cerrosafe has a melting range from 158° to 190° F.
Note: Overheating may cause separation of the components of Cerrosafe alloy.
Melt Cerrosafe in a double boiler or other means of clean, indirect heat.
It should be poured from a clean ladle. If a heavy iron bullet caster’s or
plumber’s ladle is used, a propane torch with a low flame can be used to heat
the ladle from the bottom until the Cerrosafe is completely molten. A bent
tin can may be used as a ladle, with the lip bent to form a pouring spout, and
locking pliers (such as Visegrip brand) used as a handle for the can. If a small
can is used, it should be set on a piece of heavy sheet steel and the heat applied
to the steel from underneath with a propane torch. An industrial hot
air gun can also be used to heat the Cerrosafe in a pouring ladle.
If you were to make foster style slugs for a 3/4 in.(~475 grains) spudgun you can get 14-15 reusable rounds out of a pound. Smaller caliber spudguns you would get quite a bit more reusable rounds.
Due to the Cerrosafe™ low melting point you would not need to use iron molds. Basicly if it doesn't melt in boiling water you can use it as a mold.
Things to consider:
Low melting point: 158° to 190° F
(water boils @ 210° F)
Reusability
Available from quite a few online sources.
1 lb = 7000 grains
(bullet weight is usually measured in grains)
Cerrosafe™ can be some very pimping ammo for the spudder without the facilities to cast lead bullets.
