A process for the production of cube-on-edge oriented silicon steel of high permeability which comprises varying the temperature of the initial anneal and the quench starting temperature of the hot rolled steel in accordance with the aluminum and nitrogen contents of the steel. The initial anneal temperature ranges from about 1040.degree. to 1175.degree. C. and the quench starting temperature from about 700.degree. to 1090.degree. C. Improved permeability and core loss values are obtained over relatively broad aluminum and nitrogen ranges, viz., 0.024% to 0.040% total aluminum and 0.0050% to 0.0090% nitrogen, by ladle analysis.