In order to investigate the dynamic mechanical properties of red clay under dynamic loading, the split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) dynamic test system was utilized to conduct tests at water content levels of 5%, 7%, 9%, 11%, 13%, and 15%, and impact velocities of 6 m/s, 8 m/s, and 10 m/s. A total of 18 sets of red clay samples with varying water content and impact velocity were examined to assess the dynamic characteristics of red clay under different water content and strain rate conditions. The findings indicate that the clay exhibits a noticeable strain rate dependency as the impact velocity increases. When subjected to impact loading, the dynamic stress-strain curve of lattice-clay displays two distinct curves corresponding to different loading strain rates, specifically brittle-plastic failure and brittle failure. As the strain rate rises, the failure mechanism of lattice-clay shifts gradually from plastic-brittle failure to brittle failure. Under the influence of impact velocity alone, the compressive strength and dynamic elastic modulus of terracotta increase with higher strain rates, while they initially decrease and then increase with rising water content.