The recrystallization behavior of Rene 65 billet was characterized using a combination of sub scale compression samples and full-scale forgings. Two different billet conversion practices were utilized to develop a range o f starting billet microstructures with respect to the percent unrecrystallized grains. These billets provided the sub-scale compression samples and input material for full-scale forgings. Processing parameters studied were strain and strain rate representing a wide range o f forging processes. Strain distributions within the sub-scale compression samples were determined using deformation modeling. Microstructures after compression were mapped as a function of processing parameters. The effect of unrecrystallized grains on low cycle fatigue (LCF) was evaluated.