Abstract: A die for use in a stage of a multi-stage die-necking process of a metal body such as a beverage can, has a surface around a center-line. The die surface, seen in longitudinal section through the center-line, has a profile which includes in direct succession a feed-in zone, an intermediate zone and a neck zone. The intermediate zone has, as well as a contact part, a relatively steep part in which tangents to the die surface include an angle .alpha. to the center-line greater than .alpha..sub.n, where .alpha..sub.n is the neck angle between the necked part following die-necking and the center-line of the body. The presence of this non-contact steep part reduces the axial force needed in the die-necking.