Abstract: The die and die ring and the associated extrusion process of the invention comprises providing an extrusion press including a billet container which holds a billet of material to be extruded and a die assembly which holds a die ring. The die ring is adapted to hold a die. The die ring has a first mating member and the die has a second mating member. The process further includes the step of moving the billet container into contact with the die assembly so that the die ring and die form a seal by means of the first and second mating members. The process further comprises the step of pushing the billet of material through the die assembly such that the extrusion is formed. The die assembly of the invention includes a die ring which contains a die. The die ring has a first mating member and the die has a second mating member. The die has a facing surface having a diameter less than or equal to the diameter of the billet opening of the extrusion press billet container.