Method of producing large diameter steel rods

A method for producing a large gauge, high strength steel rod having a diameter of not less than 9 mm, which comprises subjecting a high carbon steel rod billet consisting essentially of from 0.65 to 0.9% C, from 0.15 to 1.5% chromium, less than 2.0% silicon, less than 1.5 manganese, at least one element from the group consisting of aluminum, niobium, vanadium zirconium and titanium in an amount of less than 0.3% in total, balance essentially iron, to hot rolling immediately followed by a controlled cooling treatment, by the use of an air cooling medium, so as to effect a phase transformation to obtain a structure consisting essentially of fine pearlite, whereby a steel rod having a tensile strength of above 115 kg/mm.sup.2 is produced without any re-heating treatment, wherein the resulting steel rod has the mechanical properties such that it may subjected to a reduction in area is excess of 35% without requiring heat treatment.