An elongate
drill bit (20) with a longitudinal axis (X-X) has a shank (28), a working end (24), and a fluted section (26) between the shank and the working end. The shank, the working end and the fluted section are all formed integrally in the
drill bit. The working end has an outer
cutting portion (34) and a central
pilot tip (36) which extends axially ahead of the outer
cutting portion. The
pilot tip is formed with at least one pair of minor
cutting edges (40, 42; 44, 46) arranged on opposite sides of the axis. The outer cutting portion is formed with a pair of major cutting edges (70, 72) arranged on opposite sides of the axis. The outer cutting portion has a major
diameter (D) defined by the pair of major cutting edges. The
pilot tip has a minor
diameter (d) defined by the at least one pair of minor cutting edges. The fluted section has a pair of
helical lands (32) each with a respective inner surface (92) extending axially rearward from one of the major cutting edges and from one of the minor cutting edges. The
helical lands define a web (94). Each
helical land defines a respective helical
flute (30). The helical lands have a
pitch (S) and the web has a web thickness (K) at the pilot tip such that the ratio of the
pitch to the major
diameter (S:D) falls within a range of about 380% to about 410%. Also, the ratio of the minor diameter to the web thickness at the pilot tip (d:K) falls within a range of about 220% to about 380%.