Abstract: The present invention relates to a high strength roller chain adapted for both high cyclic loads as well as intermittent high shock loads. The roller chain of the present invention includes a pin link plate having a cross sectional area through a center line of a pin receiving aperture greater than a pin link plate in a standard ANSI of an equivalent size roller chain. Further, the cross sectional area of the roller link plate through center line of one of the bushing-receiving openings is greater than that of a roller link plate in a standard ANSI roller link plate in an equivalent size roller chain. Further, the pin itself has a greater cross sectional area than the pin of a standard ANSI equivalent size roller chain.