Abstract: A method and device for controlling the flow of molten metal of a hot chamber die casting machine from an outer surrounding melt crucible into the bore of a casting bushing which is located in the melt and which has a melt inlet opening disposed below the level of the melt in the crucible which is located upstream of a sprue runner leading to the mold cavity having a mold part maintained under closing pressure during the molding, includes a firing piston for moving a casting piston in the bore of the casting bushing so as to close the opening and to direct the melt into the mold cavity. After casting, the casting piston is moved backwardly to relieve the pressure on the mold slightly and the mold is partially opened. The casting position is locked against further movement, however, so as to prevent an inflow of the melt through the sprue runner to the mold immediately after casting.