Abstract: A method for producing a machinable, high strength hot formed powdered ferrous base metal alloy is provided which comprises providing a particulate mixture consisting of, in weight percent, from about 1.0 to about 3.0 percent copper, from about 0.16 to about 0.35 percent sulfur, from about 0.4 to about 0.8 percent carbon, with the balance being iron plus from 0 to about 2 percent incidental impurities; forming this particulate mixture into a preformed article having a predetermined configuration; sintering the so-formed article at a temperature sufficient to produce the desired alloy; and subjecting the sintered article to a hot forming treatment to produce a hot formed, machinable, high strength ferrous base powdered metal alloy article having a density near theoretical.