Aluminum matrix composites containing of 10, 20 and 30 vol% SiC particles were processed by direct and underwater explosive compaction methods. Optical microscopic examination hardness and bending strength measurements were carried out. It is observed that there was different distribution of SiC particles in recovered compacts by direct and underwater explosive compaction. In direct method, distribution of SiC particles at center and at periphery of the cross-section was different but in underwater (except some insignificant area at top and corners of the compact samples) microstructure was uniform. The micro hardness of compacts increased with increasing SiC particle volume fraction in both method and highest bending strength obtained for composite including 10-20 vol% SiC particles.