The problem of the determination of material strength properties through the Kolsky experimental technique is considered. Small size specimens of M1 copper alloy are tested on a split Hopkinson pressure bars equipment. The experimental data of tensile tests observed under both dynamic and quasi-static conditions are analysed within the framework of the incubation time criterion and the Sign-Perturbed Sums method. It is shown that the influence of a test performance error is considered in the data treatment procedure based on the developed method. Keywords: Dynamic strength, incubation time criterion, Kolsky bar system, Sign-Perturbed Sums method.