The dynamic mechanical properties of 30CrMnSiNi2A steel under high strain rate impact were studied using both Taylor rod impact experiment and numerical simulation. Based on the result of Taylor rod impact experiment, the Johnson-Cook constitutive model and failure model were utilized to simulate the free surface velocity of 30CrMnSiNi2A steel under Taylor rod impact. The numerical simulation results were then compared with the experimental free surface velocity profiles obtained, demonstrating a high degree of congruence. Subsequently, the influence of Taylor rod specimens with varying length-to-diameter ratios (l/d) on the outcome of velocity interferometer system for any reflector (VISAR) test within the reverse Taylor rod impact test was examined. The study identified the optimal l/d range for Taylor rod that are suitable for VISAR testing. Employing the concepts of stress traxiality and damage number, the fracture failure mechanism and deformation mode of the Taylor rod were analyzed. Three distinct deformation modes were identified: rough deformation, mushroom deformation, and petal cracking. The analysis of the Taylor rod’s fracture failure mechanism has elucidated that the failure occurring at the central region of the sample is predominantly a result of compressive forces. Conversely, the cracking observed at the periphery of the sample is primarily attributed to the influence of tensile forces. It was also observed that fractures of the Taylor rod initiate preferentially at the edge.