There are a great number of variables that affect filling conditions in the die and thereby ultimately affect the casting. It is important to eliminate as many of the variables as possible and minimize the effect of the remaining ones. This paper reviews a number of these factors. The shot end is the most dynamic factor effecting the die casting process. A shot control system that compensates for the variables during the shot will facilitate consistent, high quality production. A real time closedloop shot control system is reviewed. The importance of short response time is expiained and a number of shot profiles for different machines and differenct tonnages are analyzed. The importance of low impact based on metal pressure in the die and compensation for variations in biscuit lengths is also explained.