A magnetic recording medium is disclosed, comprising a nonmagnetic support having thereon a magnetic layer containing ferromagnetic particles which are dispersed in a binder and have a tabular hexagonal crystal shape with an axis of easy magnetization perpendicular to the plate, wherein said ferromagnetic particles have a specific surface area of from 50 to less than 70 m.sup.2 /g, and further said magnetic layer contains abrasive agents having a Mohs' hardness of 6 or more and having an average particle diameter of from 0.3 to 1.0 .mu.m in an amount of from 7 to 15 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the ferromagnetic particles.