A lubricating composition for use in hot rolling comprises from about 20% to about 70% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, of an overbased metal sulfonate, e.g., overbased calcium sulfonate, having a base number of at least about 40 mg-KOH/g and preferably at least 200 mg-KOH/g. The lubricating composition can be applied to at least one pair of work rolls in a rolling mill during hot rolling of a steel. It may also be applied to the steel itself immediately before hot rolling. The lubricating composition is effective for preventing galling and reducing roll wear without causing slippage of the steel and it is particularly suitable for use in hot rolling of carbon steel under severe conditions or of stainless steel including high-Cr stainless steel.