1-844-783-3548 
TARGET THICKNESS GUIDE
Can't find your ammo?
Use bullet energy calculator below
and reference max bullet energy
in table above.
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.
Don't see your ammo?
Use bullet energy calculator below
and reference max bullet energy
in table above.
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.
BULLET ENERGY CALCULATOR
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
COMMON QUESTIONS
-
How long will my targets last?
Follow the golden rules above and your targets will last a lifetime.
-
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.Rapid expansion and contraction caused by the heat can lead to pitting.
It may actually pit more as it's 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. -
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.Note: The 16"x3/16 AR400 gong shown below in the video gallery is VERY loud.
Smaller, and / or thicker gongs will not ring as loudly. -
Why am I pitting 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. -
How far away should I be to shoot steel targets?
Targets do not 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 bullet is 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
