Steel Target Selection

🔫BULLETS VS AR500🎯

TARGET THICKNESS CALCULATOR

ar 500 steel target

Can't find your ammo?


Use the bullet energy calculator above

as a kinetic energy calculator to determine its force.


Use bullet speed AT TARGET or muzzle velocity for worst-case scenario.


TIP- If you don't know bullet speed and weight

Google [YOUR AMMO] +Ballistics or look on

the box it came in.

22 cal steel targets with audible feedback

While it is true that Steel Targets initially cost more than paper targets, with proper use they will last a lifetime

and are an excellent investment in your shooting proficiency. When you buy AR500 Steel targets from us you can be assured you're

making a sound investment in your shooting skills that will last a lifetime with proper use.


Here's a few reasons why;


  • Targets sound off and move when hit and do nothing when you miss

  • Steel is so more fun than shooting boring paper targets

  • Experts agree shooting steel will make you a better shooter in less time than with paper

STEEL TARGET THICKNESS CHART

Use the bullet energy table below to select the correct thickness of shooting targets for the firearm you are using.

target selection chart

GOLDEN RULES

  • Never use ammo with steel in or on it

  • Bullet speed BELOW 2850 fps at target

  • Use proper target thickness 

  • Hang with downward angle if possible

  • Use ball ammo if possible

  • Hollow & soft point is harder on targets

  • Use safety glasses shooting steel

  • Never use ammo with steel in or on it

  • Bullet speed must be BELOW 2850 fps at the target to avoid pitting

  • Use targets thick enough to withstand the energy of your ammo (use table above)

  • Mount targets on angle when possible for safer lead deflection and longer target life

  • Shoot ball ammo when possible, soft point or hollow point ammo is harder on targets

  • Always wear safety glasses when shooting steel

FAQ

No, an AR15 with 55g ammo and a 16" barrel reaches speeds around or above 2850 fps (where pitting will happen) at 100 yards. This will be faster still (and cause more damage) with a longer barrel.


Shoot from farther away or use heavier, slower ammo. An extra 25 yds can greatly lessen damage to the target.


If this is not possible, at 100 yards, pitting with 5.56 55gammo and 16" barrel (or shorter) will be minimal and should not be a safety issue.


For safe use with pistols at close range, keep one side of the target smooth and flip it when needed.


*Every heat of steel varies in hardness, (this is unavoidable) because of this one target may pit at a lower speed than another.


This is not an exact science where all targets will pit at 2850fps and not at 2849fps. If you're seeing pitting back up or use heavier (slower) ammo.

Follow the golden rules above and your AR500 steel targets will last a lifetime.

Abrasion resistant steel plate can withstand high impact stresses and extremely low temperatures but it is not indestructible if you don't follow the golden rules.

YES, pitting has nothing to do with thickness. Pitting happens due to the intense heat underneath the bullet strike zone. Occasionally, "edge chipping" can occur with rounds faster than 2000fps that hit on the very edges of the targets.


Rapid expansion and contraction caused by heat can lead to pitting. Thicker targets may actually pit more as they are heavier and less likely to move out of the way when hit.


Proper target mounting can reduce this effect and is safer for the shooter. See our target mounting video below for must-know target mounting tips.


The AR500 rating is why our targets can take bullets with so much speed. A 3/8 AR500 rating will pit the same as a 3/16 if the bullet is moving too fast (most armor piercing rounds), but the 3/8" can take more force (heavy bullets).

Buy the LARGEST AND THINNEST target suitable for the ammunition used. Don't expect to hear much noise shooting a 4"x5/8" gong with your 22. 


AR600 AR500 and AR400 steel is significantly louder when shot than other steel targets even when pistol shooting because it is harder and it resonates better.


Want to see click to see a 16" gong ringing like a church bell with just a 22lr round?

See this video in our customer gallery.

EDGE CHIPPING WHY?


"Edge Chipping" on the outside edges of AR500 targets is normal and unavoidable with bullet speeds over 2,000 fps. The harder the steel is and the further over 2,000fps (feet per second) you are the more prevalent this will be.


The flat faces of the targets can typically handle 2850fps with only minimal surface marking visible at that speed.


This is due to 2 reasons;


  1. There is no supporting material on the outside edges of targets

  2. The edges (even when laser cut) get harder from the heat during cutting


IS IT DANGEROUS?


No, because this is a chip and not a crater there is no way for an edge chip to redirect lead anywhere other than safely off to a side. Furthermore, at velocities over 2000fps the bullets will effectively vaporize upon impact leaving nothing left.


WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT?


Assuming you want to shoot it at velocities over 2,000fps there is nothing you can do.


Keep in mind a 30" gong will get many fewer edge strikes than a 1" gong would as there are many more shots closer to the edges than with tiny targets.


You will still get many years of use from your targets and if the edge chipping becomes a concern just flip them over as edge chipping does not typically extend to the opposite surface.