Abstract: In a magnetic recording medium of the coating type using a metal magnetic powder, for the purpose of improving switching field distribution (SFD) and electromagnetic properties, there is used a metal magnetic powder based on iron and containing Al and/or Si and a rare earth element, the content of Al and/or Si being 0.5 to 8% by weight based on the iron and the content of rare earth element (inclusive of Y) being 1 to 10% by weight based on the iron, and optionally 6 to 30% by weight of Co, preferably having a length of 0.06 to 0.30 .mu.m and an aspect ratio of from 4 to 15.