AR500 Steel Targets - Zinc Plated - Vet Made - AR500 Targets

🔒 Why Our Zinc Plated Steel Targets Protection Outlasts Paint or Powder Coating

Zinc plating forms a molecular bond with the targets,

creating a rust-resistant shield that won’t chip, flake, or peel.

Unlike paint or powder coat, which just sits on the surface.

Zinc becomes part of the metal — protecting your target systems from:

✅ Bullet spall

✅ Bullet strikes (when shot as directed)

✅ Harsh outdoor elements

The result?

❌ No rusty targets

❌ No constant repainting of targets

❌ No paying for paint or powdercoat that is quickly shot off targets

We’re the only manufacturer offering zinc-plated targets and target systems.

This is the toughest finish available. Period

AR500 steel targets are rated based on their thickness to safely withstand impacts from various firearm calibers at specific distances. The "AR" in AR500 stands for Abrasion Resistant, and the "500" refers to its Brinell hardness number, indicating a very hard and durable steel ideal for shooting targets.

Using the correct thickness for the caliber you are shooting is crucial for the longevity of the target and, most importantly, for shooter safety.

Here is a general guide to what different thicknesses of AR500 steel targets are rated for:

1/4" AR500 Steel Targets:

• Rated for: Rimfire and standard centerfire pistol calibers.

• Common Cartridges: .22LR, .380 ACP, 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP.

• Minimum Recommended Distance: 10-15 yards for pistols.

• Not Rated For: Rifle rounds or magnum pistol rounds, as the higher velocity and energy can cause damage to the target.

3/8" AR500 Steel Targets:

• Rated for: Most pistol calibers (including magnum rounds) and non-magnum rifle calibers. This is often considered the most versatile and popular thickness.

• Common Cartridges: All standard and magnum pistol calibers, and rifle cartridges such as .223 Remington/5.56x45mm, 7.62x39mm, and .308 Winchester.

• Minimum Recommended Distance: 15 yards for pistols and 100 yards for rifles.

• Important Note: High-velocity rifle rounds exceeding 2,850 feet per second (fps) at the target, can cause pitting or damage. It is crucial to back up until you are slower than this at the targets.

1/2" AR500 Steel Targets:

• Rated for: Magnum rifle calibers and heavy-duty use.

• Common Cartridges: All pistol calibers, standard rifle calibers, and powerful magnum rifle cartridges like .300 Winchester Magnum and .338 Lapua Magnum.

• Minimum Recommended Distance: 100 yards for standard rifles and 200 yards or more for powerful magnum rifles.

• Durability: The increased thickness allows these targets to withstand the significant energy of magnum rounds without being damaged.

• Important Note: High-velocity rifle rounds exceeding 2,850 feet per second (fps) at the target, can cause pitting or damage. It is crucial to back up until you are slower than this at the targets.

Important Safety Considerations:

• Ammunition Type: Never use steel core, armor-piercing, or any other hardened-core ammunition on AR500 steel targets. These rounds can severely damage the target and create a significant ricochet hazard. Use only standard lead-core, full metal jacket (FMJ), or frangible ammunition.

• Impact Velocity: A key factor in target longevity is the impact velocity of the projectile. To prevent pitting and damage, most manufacturers recommend that the impact velocity be below 3,000 fps. If your ammunition exceeds this at a certain distance, you need to increase your shooting distance accordingly.

• Angle of Impact: Targets should be angled downwards to deflect bullet fragments and spatter safely into the ground. Many target mounting systems are designed to create this downward angle.

• Target Inspection: Regularly inspect your steel targets for any signs of pitting, cratering, or other damage. Damaged targets can create unpredictable ricochets and should be replaced.

By adhering to these ratings and safety guidelines, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable shooting experience while prolonging the life of your AR500 steel targets.

AR500 steel is a high-strength, abrasion-resistant steel renowned for its exceptional hardness and durability, making it a preferred material for a variety of demanding applications, most notably for shooting targets. The "AR" in its name stands for Abrasion Resistant, while the "500" denotes its nominal hardness on the Brinell scale. This level of hardness is a key characteristic that sets it apart.

Key Properties of AR500 Steel:

• Exceptional Hardness: AR500 steel has a Brinell hardness number (BHN) typically ranging from 477 to 534. This high level of hardness allows it to withstand repeated high-velocity impacts from projectiles with minimal damage.

• Durability and Wear Resistance: The composition of AR500 steel, which includes a high carbon content along with other alloys like manganese and chromium, contributes to its excellent resistance to wear and abrasion. This makes it ideal for applications involving significant friction and impact, such as in mining equipment and dump truck liners, in addition to shooting targets.

• Heat Treatment: To achieve its unique properties, AR500 steel undergoes a process of quenching and tempering. This involves heating the steel to a high temperature and then rapidly cooling it, which refines the grain structure and enhances its hardness and toughness throughout the material.

Why AR500 Steel is Special for Shooting Targets:

The properties of AR500 steel make it particularly well-suited for creating safe and long-lasting shooting targets.

• Audible and Visual Feedback: When a bullet strikes an AR500 steel target, it produces a distinct "ping" or ringing sound. This provides immediate auditory feedback to the shooter, confirming a successful hit without needing to walk downrange to inspect a paper target. This instant confirmation is invaluable for improving accuracy and for use in competitive shooting scenarios.

• Longevity and Cost-Effectiveness: Unlike targets made from softer materials that can be easily damaged or penetrated, AR500 steel targets can endure thousands of rounds before showing significant wear. This durability translates to long-term cost savings for shooters, as the targets do not need frequent replacement.

• Safety: The hardness of AR500 steel helps to prevent bullets from penetrating or causing dangerous ricochets when used at appropriate distances and angles. Instead of cratering, the surface of the steel withstands the impact, causing the bullet to fragment into smaller, less harmful pieces that are directed away from the shooter, especially when the target is properly angled.

In essence, the special nature of AR500 steel lies in its optimal balance of hardness and toughness, which allows it to safely and reliably withstand repeated ballistic impacts while providing clear and immediate feedback to the shooter.

With proper use and care, AR500 steel targets can last a lifetime, enduring tens of thousands of rounds. However, the actual lifespan of an AR500 steel target is not measured in years, but rather by the number and type of impacts it sustains.

Several key factors will determine how long your AR500 steel target remains safe and effective for use.

Key Factors Influencing the Lifespan of AR500 Steel Targets:

• Ammunition Type: This is one of the most critical factors. To ensure the longevity of your target, you should only use ammunition with lead or copper-jacketed lead cores. Ammunition that is steel-cored, armor-piercing, or contains any other hardened material will cause significant damage, including pitting and cratering, which can create dangerous ricochet hazards.

• Impact Velocity: Speed is a primary enemy of steel targets. Most manufacturers recommend that the impact velocity of the projectile be below 2,850 feet per second (fps) to avoid pitting the target's surface. Even if you are shooting at the recommended distance, if you are using a high-velocity caliber, you may need to increase your distance to ensure the bullet has slowed down sufficiently before impact.

• Shooting Distance: Adhering to the correct minimum shooting distances for your firearm and ammunition is crucial for both safety and the longevity of the target.

  
  

  • Pistols: Generally, a minimum distance of 10-15 yards is recommended.

  • Rifles: A minimum distance of 100 yards is a standard recommendation for most rifle calibers.

  
  

• Target Thickness: The thickness of the AR500 steel must be appropriate for the energy of the firearm you are using.

  
  

  • 1/4" AR500: Suitable for rimfire and standard pistol calibers.

  • 3/8" AR500: A versatile option for most pistol and standard rifle calibers.

  • 1/2" AR500: Necessary for magnum rifle calibers to handle the higher energy levels.

  
  

Maintenance for a Longer Target Life:

Proper maintenance can significantly extend the life of your AR500 steel targets:

• Regular Cleaning: After use, it's a good practice to clean your targets to remove dirt, debris, and lead residue. A non-abrasive brush or cloth can be used for this purpose.

• Preventing Rust: To protect against rust, especially if stored outdoors, it's advisable to apply a coat of rust-resistant paint. Reapply paint as needed when you notice chips or wear.

• Proper Storage: When not in use, store your targets in a dry environment to prevent moisture from causing rust and corrosion.

When to Replace an AR500 Steel Target:

It is essential to regularly inspect your targets for signs of wear and tear. You should retire a steel target when you observe:

• Significant Pitting or Cratering: These indentations on the target's surface can cause unpredictable bullet fragmentation and ricochets, posing a serious safety risk.

• Cracks or Warping: Any structural damage can compromise the integrity of the target and its ability to safely handle impacts.

By following these guidelines for proper use and maintenance, your AR500 steel targets can provide you with a safe and enjoyable shooting experience for many years.

Steel targets can stop a wide range of bullets when used correctly, but no target is indestructible. Avoid:

• Steel-core (penetrator) or armor-piercing rounds

• Bullets traveling over 2,850 fps at impact

• Exceeding maximum energy ratings of targets

Yes, bullets can ricochet off steel targets, but a properly designed and utilized AR500 steel target setup is engineered to manage bullet impacts safely and predictably. The primary goal is to cause the bullet to fragment into small, low-energy pieces, often called "spatter," rather than having the intact bullet or large fragments bounce back toward the shooter.

Understanding Ricochet vs. Fragmentation (Spatter)

It's crucial to distinguish between a dangerous ricochet and predictable fragmentation:

• Ricochet: This occurs when a bullet glances off a surface and continues its trajectory, often in an unpredictable direction, while retaining a significant and dangerous amount of its original energy and mass. This is most likely to happen with hard-surfaced targets that have developed craters or are made of improper materials.

• Fragmentation (Spatter): When a bullet strikes a hard, flat surface like an AR500 steel target head-on, it disintegrates into a fine spray of smaller, rapidly decelerating particles. This spatter typically exits the target's surface at a 20-degree angle in a cone shape.

Key Factors to Prevent Dangerous Ricochets

Several factors must be managed to ensure that bullets fragment safely rather than ricocheting:

1. Use Quality AR500 Steel

The hardness of the steel is paramount. AR500 steel, with its high Brinell hardness rating, is designed to withstand impact without deforming or cratering. Softer steels can develop pits and dents, creating uneven surfaces that can catch a bullet and send it back toward the firing line in an unpredictable manner.

2. Proper Target Angle

Angling the steel target downwards is one of the most effective safety measures. A downward angle of approximately 20 degrees deflects the bullet fragmentation safely into the ground in front of the target. Many professional target mounting systems are built with this safety feature integrated.

3. Correct Ammunition

Never use steel-core, armor-piercing, or other hardened penetrator-style ammunition on steel targets. These rounds are designed to resist deformation and are much more likely to remain intact, creating a high risk of dangerous ricochet. Stick to standard full metal jacket (FMJ) or lead-core ammunition, which is designed to fragment on impact with a hard surface.

4. Safe Shooting Distance

Maintaining a safe minimum distance is critical. Being too close to the target increases the risk of being hit by spatter. The recommended safe distances are:

• Pistols: At least 10-15 yards.

• Rifles: At least 100 yards.

5. Inspect Your Targets Regularly

Before and after shooting, always inspect your targets. If you see any significant pitting, cratering, or deformation, the target should be retired. A compromised target surface is no longer safe and significantly increases the risk of a dangerous ricochet.

For optimal safety and target longevity, AR500 steel targets should be hung at a downward angle of approximately 10 to 20 degrees. This specific angle is crucial for deflecting bullet fragments and spatter safely towards the ground in front of the target.

Why the Angle is Critical for Safety

When a bullet strikes a hard surface like an AR500 steel target, it disintegrates into small fragments. This fragmentation, often called "spatter," spreads out in a radial pattern. Here's why the downward angle is so important:

• Directs Spatter to the Ground: A 15 to 20-degree downward angle ensures that the majority of the bullet fragments are directed safely into the ground below and in front of the target.

• Prevents Ricochets: A target hung flat or parallel to the shooter poses a significant risk of ricochet, where bullet fragments can be directed back toward the firing line. The downward angle mitigates this risk by providing a predictable and safe path for the spatter.

• Energy Dissipation: The angle helps to dissipate the bullet's energy by spreading the impact over a slightly larger area.

How to Achieve the Proper Angle

There are several ways to hang AR500 targets to achieve the necessary downward angle:

• Specialized Mounting Brackets: Many manufacturers offer mounting brackets and stands that are specifically designed to hold the target at the correct 10-20-degree angle.

• Hanging Freely: Allowing targets to hang and swing freely from chains or straps can also be a safe option. The energy from the bullet impact will cause the target to swing backward, which helps to absorb energy and direct fragments.

Important Considerations:

• Target Height: The top of the target should generally be no more than four feet from the ground. This encourages a slightly downward shooting angle, so a missed shot will impact the ground a short distance behind the target.

• Avoid Rigid Mounting: It is recommended to avoid mounting systems that hold the target rigidly in place. Allowing some movement helps in absorbing the bullet's energy and increases the lifespan of the target.

• Regular Inspection: Always inspect your targets for deep pits or craters. A damaged target surface can cause unpredictable ricochets, even if hung at the correct angle.

The term "AR500" is a specific designation for a type of steel, with each part of the name describing a key property of the metal.

AR: Abrasion Resistant

The "AR" in AR500 stands for Abrasion Resistant. This type of steel is a high-carbon alloy that is heat-treated to give it exceptional hardness and durability. This resistance to wear and tear makes it ideal for high-impact and high-wear applications, such as mining equipment, dump truck liners, and, most notably, ballistic targets.

The abrasion resistance is crucial for shooting targets because it allows the steel to withstand repeated bullet impacts without significant damage, pitting, or deformation. This ensures a longer lifespan for the target and, more importantly, enhances safety by reducing the risk of dangerous ricochets.

500: Brinell Hardness Number

The "500" in AR500 refers to the steel's nominal hardness rating on the Brinell Hardness Scale. The Brinell test measures a material's resistance to indentation, and a higher number indicates a harder material.

AR500 steel typically has a Brinell Hardness Number (BHN) in the range of 477 to 534.

This level of hardness is what allows the steel to absorb the energy of a bullet and cause it to fragment safely, rather than being penetrated or developing hazardous craters. This is a significant step up in hardness from mild steel, which has a BHN of around 120.