1-844-783-3548 STEEL TARGET THICKNESS GUIDE
Can't find your ammo?
Use the bullet energy calculator below and reference the max bullet energy in table above to find the correct AR500 steel plate thickness for your steel target.
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.
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
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How long will my shooting targets last?
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.
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If I get thicker ar500 targets will they still pit if the speed is over 2850fps at the target?
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).
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How do I get the most sound from my targets?
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 what I mean?
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.
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Why am I pitting my ballistic steel targets with my AR15! I'm shooting at 100 yds is something wrong with your steel?
No, see the golden rules above. An AR15 @ 100yds with 55g
ammo and a 16" barrel is very close to if not over 2850 fps.
The further over 2850fps the worse the damage will be.
Pitting can be avoided completely by simply backing up or
shooting heavier / SLOWER ammunition.
The pitting at 100yds is minimal and targets will still last many years of heavy use.
If you must use them in this condition keep one side smooth and flip your target for
safe up-close use with pistols.
As little as 25 yds can make a huge difference so keep that in mind.
Use ball ammunition if possible. Soft point and hollow-point
ammunition is harder on the targets.
Make sure your targets are mounted as directed in the
target mounting video in our target video gallery below.
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How far away should I be to shoot steel targets?
That depends on what you are shooting if shooting .223 at your steel
targets you may need to be as far away as 125 yds while with a .308 you
may be fine at just 50 yds because it is a slower round.
Targets don't care how far away you are, speed is the enemy of AR500.
This is due to the heat produced under the strike zone of the round.
BULLET SPEED TRUMPS DISTANCE
If your rifle rounds are moving faster than 2850fps at the target you will
need to back up until it is, this is your minimum distance.
In general, we recommend;
RIFLES 50 yds (or back up until bullet speed <2850fps)
PISTOLS 10 yds
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My targets are pitting on the edges what is wrong?
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;
- There is no supporting material on the outside edges of targets
- 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.
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How Should I Take Care Of My Target
If you're looking to keep your target in tip-top shape – and who isn't – you might want to avoid blasting it point-blank. It's not rocket science, but it's close. For those among you craving the full, thrilling ride down the rabbit hole of target maintenance, our Tips and Care page is chock-full of the kind of detail that makes life worth living. Or at least keeps your target looking sharp.
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