The invention relates to the field of pressure treatment of metals and can be used in the production of a cold-rolled strip. The problem addressed by the invention is that of being able to exclude a pickling operation in the preparation of semifinished rolled stock for cold rolling. Complete de-scaling of the surface of the semifinished rolled stock without using picking is provided by carrying out preliminary cold rolling of the semifinished rolled stock in rolling-mill rolls according to prescribed values for compression and for the ratio of compression to deformation zone length. The rolling can be carried out in one of two consecutively mounted mills.