Abstract: The stress-strain curve and destruction features of red sandstone under dynamic and static loads are researched by MTS 810 electrohydraulic servo material testing system and the split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) test system, and the test results of dynamic and static state are compared. The results show that compared to static load, dynamic load curve will deform partly before compaction stage; when strain rate is more than 66 s^-1,red sandstone stress-strain curve shows a softening stage which is similar to static load, but when strain rate did not reach 66 s^-1,red sandstone occurs brittle fracture at cracks; under the static load, the destruction of red sandstone is the sliding failure along fracture face, and under dynamic load the destruction of red sandstone is axial fracturing.