Milling experiments of nickel-based powder metallurgy superalloy using coated carbide tools were conducted to investigate the wear resistance of the tools, and the corresponding wear morphologies and mechanisms were analyzed by means of SEM and EDS. Then, the milling force and tool life were investigated by multi-factor orthogonal tests, and the corresponding empirical models were established by means of the least squares method and the regression analysis. Finally, the cutting parameters of coated carbide tools for the dry milling of nickel-based powder metallurgy superalloy were optimized based on the tool life-efficiency response surface methodology. The experimental results show that （ 1 ） the wear of the coated carbide tools is mainly abrasive and adhesive ; （2） the failure form of the tools varies with the cutting speed ; （3） the established models of milling force and tool life are highly significant in terms of the effect of the feed ; and （4） the optimal dry milling conditions are as follows ： a cutting speed of 40 -60m/min, a cutting depth of 0. 15 -0. 20mm, a radial cutting depth of 10 -20mm, and a feed of 0.08 - 0. 10 mm per tool.