The silicon oxynitride bonded $Si_3N_4-BN$ composite has been developed based on the selective oxidation behavier of $Si_3N_4$ over BN. The silicon oxynitride phase converted to the reaction between $Si_3N_4$ and $SiO_2$ formed on $Si_3N_4$ powder surface during oxidation treatment at the sintering temperature. The developed composite has excellent high-temperature strength, thermal shock resistance, precision machinability and corrosion resistance to the molten steel. The developed composite may therefore be used as, for example, break ring materials in continuous casting of steel.