Exhibit 23.1



       CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption
"Experts" in the Registration Statement (Form S-3) and related
Prospectus of Reynolds Metals Company for the registration of
$150 million of debt securities and to the incorporation by
reference therein of our report dated February 19, 1999, with
respect to the consolidated financial statements of Reynolds
Metals Company included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the
year ended December 31, 1998, filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.

                                    /s/ Ernst & Young LLP



Richmond, Virginia
May 21, 1999