Abstract: The process for extruding tantalum or niobium includes sealing a cold isostatically pressed charge of tantalum or niobium powder in a first metal cylinder and then sealing the first cylinder in a second metal cylinder with a metal powder of spherical shape in a gap between the cylinders. Thereafter, the second cylinder is cold isostatically pressed to prevent the metal powder in the gap from segregating. This is followed by heating and extrusion of the second container to form, e.g. an extruded bar. The ends of the bar and the skin on the bar can be removed to obtain a rod of tantalum (or niobium) with a yield of from 95% to 96% of the original powder.