A self-shielded flux cored arc welding electrode is disclosed including a ferrous metal sheath and a core within the sheath enclosing core ingredients comprise a composition window of aluminum, manganese and rare earth metals in wires of about 2.0-3.0 wt. % [Al], 1.0-2.0 wt. % [Mn] and 0.001-0.11 wt. % rare earth metals or 0.001-0.5% rare earth metal oxides, such as, but not limited to, La, Ce, etc. Resulting welds include 0.7-1.0 wt. % [Al] and 1.1-1.5 wt. % [Mn]. Resulting welds have a maximum diffusible hydrogen content of 5 mL/100 g or less, Resulting welds also have a Charpy V-notch toughness at −40° F. of at least 100 ft-lbs.