Six experimental low and ultra-low carbon C-Mn-Mo-Nb-B and one conventional TMCP steel heats have been prepared to study the effects of chemical composition and hot deformation on the microstructure and the strength-toughness properties. In physical simulation tests, it was found that the deformation of austenite below the non-recrystallization temperature enhances the formation of higher-temperature bainitic morphologies and polygonal ferrite. On the other hand, hardness exhibits relatively low sensitivity to the degree of deformation below Tnr, whereas the deformation results in a distinct refinement in the microstructures, as determined by SEM-EBSD measurements, suggesting an improvement in the impact toughness. Simultaneous alloying with Mo-Nb-B seemed to be most efficient to provide high hardness and strength. Hot rolling trials indicated that the yield strength in the range 500-700 MPa with the excellent toughness down to -80 degrees C can be achieved in low carbon (approximate to 0.03%) bainitic grades.