Abstract: A process for the production of a high strength steel rod or bar which is capable of being substantially cold drawn without any intermediate heat treatment. The steel is hot rolled in a continuous rolling mill and exits from the last stand at a temperature greater than 1000.degree. C. It is then cooled in water to an equalization temperature of between 300.degree. C. and 700.degree. C., and is immediately layed in flat overlapping non-concentric rings on a moving conveyor which allows the rod to be cooled in air as it passes along the conveyor. The rings are collected at the end of the conveyor and formed into coils.