In a heading device for elongate workpieces having a hydraulic chucking unit and an shaping ram, which is movable axially from a retracted idle position against the workpiece, the chucking unit comprises a housing having a sliding body which is hydraulically displaceable in the axial direction of the workpiece from a starting position into a clamping position (and vice versa), in which at least two chucking segments which are situated uniformly around the workpiece are inserted, which, on their side facing toward the shaping ram, press against a locking plate which is inserted into the housing and can be fixed therein, are movable radially against the workpiece by a displacement of the sliding body in its clamping position, and each receive at least one clamping jaw, which can be pressed by the chucking segment holding it radially against the workpiece for its clamping. The shaping ram carries a forming tool for upsetting the workpiece on the extension side, using which it can be pressed against the head of the workpiece protruding axially from the clamping jaws upon extension through an opening provided in the locking plate, and is moved completely out of the opening in the locking plate with its forming tool in its retracted idle position.