Abstract: An improved gating needle for use in an injection molding sprue bushing has an elongated central needle portion and at least three radially extending members which extend radially outwardly from the central needle portion. The gating needle is seated in an annular cavity or circular recess disposed at the outlet end of a sprue bushing and is capable of slight axial movement due to the action of the injected melt flowing around it so that the needle maintains a constant position and clearance within the mold cavity gate. The gating needle may include an interior heat transfer portion in the form of either a highly thermally conductive metal core portion or in the form of a sealed hollow tube containing a vaporizable liquid, which interior portion transfers heat from the surrounding melt to the mold cavity gate to maintain the mold cavity gate area at a constant temperature.