The experimental texture after two equal channel angular extrusion (ECAE) passes by route C differs qualitatively from that calculated using standard polycrystal models assuming forward and reverse simple shear. Agreement between orientation imaging microscopy measured textures of ECAE copper and polycrystal model calculations is obtained by accounting for strain hardening, substructure formation, and non-uniform distribution of the bulk deformation. © 2005 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.