304L stainless steel cyclic channel die compressed for the first time at 500 °C. Heterogeneously spaced deformation bands seen suggesting deformation inhomogeneity. Substantial grain refinement from EBSD studies divulging ultrafine grains (∼0.27 μm). Continuous dynamic recrystallization prevalent evidenced by subgrains, microbands. Boundary characteristics confirmed CDRX aided grain refinement; hardness enhanced.