Abstract: A closed loop hydraulic system especially adapted as a shot control system for a die casting machine. The control system includes a voice coil driven pilot servo valve mounted to a high flow proportional valve. The control system provides a highly controllable restriction of the outflow of hydraulic fluid from a hydraulic shot cylinder which drives a shot plunger of a die casting machine. Position transducers are provided for the pilot servo valve, proportional spool valve, and shot cylinder and a control system monitors these inputs to provide closed loop control over the shot process. A hydraulic accumulator is located in each of the pressure source and return lines of the pilot servo valve and a hydraulic accumulator tank is mounted directly to the proportional valve.