Ag-sheathed Bi-2223 superconducting tapes with rectangular cross section were fabricated by hydrostatic extrusion. Microstructural analysis, microhardness measurement and X-ray diffraction have been carried out. The field dependence of the critical current density was investigated at 77 K. The rectangular shaped specimens show a higher density of oxide core. better grain alignment and less weak-linked microstructure compared to the traditional specimens. Microstructure analysis, microhardness measurement and X-ray diffraction have been carried out. The field dependence of the critical current density was investigated at 77 K. The rectangular shaped specimens show a higher density of oxide core. better grain alignment and less weak-linked microstructure compared to the traditional specimens.