This invention relates to a method for producing alloy and intermetallic powders. Particularly to a method for the production of titanium based alloy and intermetallic powders. A first metal and a second metal oxide powder are mixed with a controlled metal/metal oxide molar ratio. This mixture is heated, becomes self propagating and leads to formation of a mixture of alloy liquid and a oxide solid. Pressure is applied to separate the phases and upon cooling produces a metallic solid. FIG. 1a shows an example of a solid crushed into a powder as produced by this method.