An apparatus for charging horizontal and vertical cold chamber pressure die-casting machines with metal, includes a pressure chamber having a first end which connects to a cold chamber pressure die casting machine, and an interchangeable receptacle, arranged underneath or laterally underneath the pressure chamber, the receptacle including a riser pipe which extends upwardly from a first end immersed in molten metal in the receptacle through a gas-tight cover on the receptacle to a second end. A pressure or aspirating line is fastened on the cover and connected at a first end to the second end of the riser pipe, and is connectable at a second end to a mid-point in the pressure chamber. A pressure piston including a drive rod is disposed in the pressure chamber adjacent the second end and a plate is disposed in the receptacle such that it contacts the molten metal in the receptacle on its surface, during delivery of the molten metal to the casting machine and during return of remaining molten metal from the casting machine.
