A strong strain rate dependence on the crystallographic texture of oxygen-free high conductivity copper is observed and reported for the first time. Two shear compression specimens were deformed at widely different strain rates (0.001s−1 and 7000s−1) to the same strain, and their textures were determined using orientation image microscopy. By comparing the stress–strain curves and the major texture components at the two strain rate levels, it is realized that increase in strain rate causes increase in strain hardening which thereby influences the texture.