I had the same problem. But I tried useing paper hemis from china and not plastic. I solved the problem by makeing my own paper-hemi press. Made out of fine cement and a wooden plugg to press out the paper into a spherical shape.
What did you use to make the semi-circle impression in the cement?
Also what is the largest mold you have made? I was thinking of making a 6 inch mold but was told the larger paper shells are very hard to make.