The effect of solid solution and dispersion strengthening of Ni on the room temperature erosion behaviour has been evaluated. Commercially pure Ni, Ni-20Cr, and MA 754 alloys were tested at two different impact angles and two different impact velocities. It was observed that dispersion strengthening increases the erosion rate while solid solution strengthening decreases the erosion rate. The observed behaviour is explained using the localisation model in conjunction with the dynamic flow stress-strain data of the test materials. © 1995 The Institute of Materials.