Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for producing a hollow metallic billet (10) from a heated metallic billet (1) by a piercing operation (for example with the use of a piercing mandrel (4)). The method is characterized in that a local temperature change is effected at least at the hole initiation end (11) of the billet (1) in at least one zone (110, 112) and the zone is rotationally symmetrical to the central axis (M) of the billet (1). Also described is a device for producing a hollow metallic billet (10) from a metallic billet (1) and comprising a holder (3) for the billet (1), characterized in that the device includes at least one temperature adjusting device or a projection element (2) operative to change the temperature of the billet (1) in the holder (3) at least zonewise and directed at a subzone of at least one of the end sides of the billet (1).