As with low power model rockets, high power rockets are also constructed from lightweight materials. Unlike model rockets, high power rockets often require stronger materials such as fiberglass, composite materials, and aluminum to withstand the higher stresses during flights which often exceed Mach 1 (340 m/s) and over 3,000 m (10,000 ft.) altitude.

High power rockets are propelled by larger motors ranging from class H to class O. Their motors are almost always reloadable rather than single-use in order to reduce cost. Recovery and/or multi-stage ignition may be initiated by small on-board computers, which use an altimeter or accelerometer for detecting when to ignite engines or deploy parachutes.

High powered model rockets can carry large payloads, including cameras and instrumentation such as GPS units.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has classified Ammonium Perchlorate Composite Propellant (APCP), the most commonly used propellant in high power rocket motors, as an explosive. Therefore, at this time, to store and possess most high-power rocket motors in the US requires a permit from the ATF. The national rocketry organizations, Tripoli Rocketry Association and National Association of Rocketry (NAR), have sued the ATF to have APCP removed from the explosives lists. Among other things, Tripoli and NAR contend that APCP is slow burning and does not function by explosion and is therefore not subject to ATF regulation, and that the ATF added APCP to the explosives list without following the agency's own rules.