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. AR500 creates magical metal targets for shooting.
Here's a few reasons why;
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Targets sound off and move when hit and do nothing when you miss
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Steel is so more fun than shooting boring paper targets
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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.
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.
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Never use ammo with steel in or on it
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Bullet speed BELOW 2850 fps at target
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Use proper target thicknessÂ
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Hang with downward angle if possible
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Use ball ammo if possible
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Hollow & soft point is harder on targets
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Use safety glasses shooting steel
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Never use ammo with steel in or on it
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Bullet speed must be BELOW 2850 fps at the target to avoid pitting
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Use targets thick enough to withstand the energy of your ammo (use table above)
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Mount targets on angle when possible for safer lead deflection and longer target life
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Shoot ball ammo when possible, soft point or hollow point ammo is harder on targets
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Always wear safety glasses when shooting steel
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My targets are pitting at 100 yds with my AR15! Is something wrong with your steel?
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 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.
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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.Â
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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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;
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RIFLES 50 yds (or back up until bullet speed <2850fps)
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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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