Experiments involving pulsed magnetic fields of a half‐megagauss and more are shown to be practical. Some basic concepts are developed regarding the construction of impact resistant solenoids and the selection of the appropriate power supply. Operation of various high‐field magnets in the pulse range 50 to 10 000 &mgr;sec is discussed, and some techniques for associated solid state experiments are given. Magnetoresistance measurements up to 600 000 gauss have been made for germanium. Operation of a 175 000 gauss Helmholtz‐type magnet for nuclear track plate work with the 95‐Mev Harvard synchrocyclotron is described.