Shear properties of epoxy LY 556 under high strain rate loading are presented. Torsional Split Hopkinson Bar apparatus was used for the studies in the shear strain rate range of 385-880 per sec. Experimental details, specimen configuration and development, data acquisition, and processing are presented. Shear strength, shear modulus, and ultimate shear strain are presented as a function of shear strain rate. For comparison, studies are presented at quasi-static loading. It is observed that the shear strength at high strain rate is enhanced up to 45% compared with that at quasi-static loading in the range of parameters considered. Further, it is observed that, in the range of parameters considered, the change in shear properties with the change in shear strain rate is not significant. Comparison of torque versus time behavior derived from signals obtained from strain gauges mounted on incident bar and transmitter bar is also presented. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 50:780-788, 2010. (C) 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers