Steel Target Selection
Pick the right steel for your ammo. Enter your bullet weight and speed, and the calculator tells you the target thickness you need.
Bullets vs AR500
Target Thickness Calculator
Calculate Your FPE
- Use the bullet energy calculator above to find your bullet's energy.
- Enter the bullet speed at the target, or the muzzle velocity for a worst-case number.
- Don't know the speed or weight? Google "[your ammo] + ballistics" or check the ammo box.
- Or ask our chatbot (lower left). It knows all popular ammunition and what thickness targets you'll need.
The Case For Steel Targets
🎖️ Veteran Owned & Operated | USA-Made AR500
Durable AR500 plates and gongs cost more up front than paper, but they're a lifelong investment in sharpening your shooting skills.
Ammo is expensive. Have more fun shooting and get better training in less time with steel targets!
- Instant feedback as sound and movement
- Shooting steel is far more engaging than paper
- Experts agree steel provides better training in less time
Target Thickness Guide
| Steel / thickness | AR400 1/8" | AR400 3/16" | AR500 1/4" | AR600 5/16" | AR500 3/8" | AR500 1/2" | AR500 5/8" |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max bullet energy | 150 ft-lbs | 300 ft-lbs | 700 ft-lbs | 1,750 ft-lbs | 2,100 ft-lbs | 4,000 ft-lbs | 8,000 ft-lbs |
| Max bullet speed (at the target) | 2,850 fps | 2,850 fps | 2,850 fps | 3,000 fps | 2,850 fps | 2,850 fps | 2,850 fps |
| Typical use | PCP / pellet / .22LR | .22LR / air rifles under 300 FPE | Pistols 700 FPE and below | Rifles and pistols under 1,750 FPE | Rifles under 2,100 FPE | Rifles under 4,000 FPE | Rifles under 8,000 FPE |
On a phone, swipe the table sideways to see every thickness.
Golden Rules
Follow the golden rules and your targets will last a lifetime.
- No steel-core or steel-jacketed ammo
- Keep bullet speed under 2,850 fps at impact
- Choose target thickness to match your ammo (see the table)
- Angle targets downward to improve safety and longevity
- Ball ammo is easiest on targets
- Always wear safety glasses
Frequently Asked Questions
My targets are pitting at 100yds with my AR15! Is something wrong with your steel?
No.
A 16" AR15 with 55gr ammo can exceed 2850 fps at 100 yards – the threshold where pitting begins.
Longer barrels = more velocity = more potential damage.
To reduce pitting:
– Back up an extra 25+ yards
– Use heavier (slower) ammo
At 100 yards, minor pitting is likely but not a safety issue with 55gr from a 16" or shorter barrel.
For pistol use at close range, keep one side smooth and flip when needed.
Note: Steel hardness varies by batch. One target may pit sooner than another.
There's no hard line at 2850 fps — Some may pit a bit slower, some faster, it’s a guideline.
If you're seeing pitting, increase distance or switch to heavier / slower ammo.
How long will my targets last?
Follow the golden rules above and your AR500 steel targets can last a lifetime.
AR500 is tough – built to handle high-impact stress and extreme cold…
…but it’s not indestructible. Treat it right and it’ll serve you for years.
If I get thicker targets will they still pit if speed is over 2850fps at the targets?
Understanding Pitting on AR500 Steel
Pitting has nothing to do with thickness.
It’s caused by extreme heat at the bullet impact point.
Rounds over 2000 fps striking the edge of a target can cause edge chipping.
Heat expansion and contraction lead to surface pitting over time.
Thicker targets may pit more—they're heavier and absorb more heat since they don’t move as easily.
Angle mounting (with some movement) reduces heat buildup and improves safety.
Always angle targets downward when possible to deflect lead safely and minimize damage.
The AR500 rating is what allows our steel to handle high-velocity hits.
Whether it's 3/16" AR400 or 3/8" AR500, both can pit if hit too fast—but 3/8" can absorb more force from heavier rounds.
How do I get the most sound from my targets?
Choose the Right Target
Go big and thin:
Larger, thinner targets ring louder — especially important for smaller calibers.
(Example: A 4" x 5/8" gong won’t make much sound with a .22)
Harder steel = louder hits:
AR600, AR500, and AR400 ring out clearly thanks to their hardness and superior resonance — even with pistol rounds.
Why are my targets pitting on the edges?
Edge Chipping – Why It Happens
Cause:
Edge chipping on AR500 targets is normal with bullet speeds over 2,000 fps.
Harder steel + higher velocity = more edge damage.
Flat Faces Hold Up:
Target faces handle up to 2,850 fps with minimal surface marks.
Why Edges Chip:
No material behind the edges for support
Laser cutting hardens the edge, making it brittle
Is It Dangerous?
No. Chips don’t create craters, so they won’t redirect lead dangerously.
At 2,000+ fps, bullets vaporize on impact — no harmful debris.
What You Can Do:
High Velocity: Nothing fully prevents edge chipping over 2,000 fps
Target Size: Larger targets (like 30") see fewer edge strikes
Longevity: Flip your target if edge damage appears — it rarely transfers through.
Your target will still last for years
