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Stokes
07-25-2012, 2:52 PM
I would like to build a dueling tree and am trying to find out what type of steel to use for the targets.
I know most would say ar500 but i can not source locally.
What would work best for 9mm .40 and .22lr. i can make different targets for each caliber.
also aprox how much kinetic energy does each round carry so i know how large i can make the targets.
Thanks for any input in advance.

teflondog
07-25-2012, 2:58 PM
If you can't source ar500, then you should be fine with ar400 since you're only shooting handgun calibers. But you want to make sure you don't shoot them too close. A minimum distance of 9-10 yards will prolong the life of the steel.

Czsp-01-9mm
07-25-2012, 3:02 PM
Here is a list of some metal that was tested with 223 and 308, so if they can handle those they can handle what I have good read too

Czsp-01-9mm
07-25-2012, 3:02 PM
Sorry for got link http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?p=8994488&highlight=223+vs+308+steel#post8994488

m98
07-25-2012, 4:27 PM
if you cant get ar400-500 then use hr steel like a36 but use thick .75 or thicker. just dont make the target so big that 9mil cant swing it cuz it will be too heavy.

Stokes
07-26-2012, 8:37 AM
i have easy access to cold rolled 41xx series. the only thing straying me from A36 is making the targets thick making them heavy so the dueling tree doest work. if i knew the kinetic energy of the rounds i could figure out how heavy the targets can be.

Does any one have a source for AR 400/500 in San Diego?

JeremyS
07-26-2012, 3:02 PM
Not sure it would be the same, but you can get the plates hardened to your specification at a place in your area, I'm sure.

Kinetic energy stats are widely available from ammo manufacturers for specific loads, Wikipedia for generalizations (9mm = 360 ft-lbs), etc etc. If you have a particular ammo in mind, then just look it up. Like, let's say you're going to shoot Blazer Brass. It's all right there for you dude: http://www.blazer-ammo.com/blazer_brass.aspx

Now figuring out how much energy it actually takes to swing a plate of X mass hanging at Y angle Z average inches from the fulcrum all the way around to the other side... um... good luck with that.

Probably cheaper and easier -- and better -- especially once you factor in your time, to just buy a top quality one that will last an extremely long time:

http://www.actiontarget.com/store/duelingtargets/at-dueling-tree-ar550.html

www.shootsteel.com


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R.Mac
07-26-2012, 3:09 PM
I recently made a Texas Star target that uses 8" dia. x 3/8" plain old mild steel plates. They seem to hold up fine against any handgun load. Sure, they will go bad eventually, but we've thrown probably over 1K rounds at em already!

Rorge Retson
07-26-2012, 3:37 PM
Does any one have a source for AR 400/500 in San Diego?
Just got some handgun (non-AR 500) steel targets from here: YourTarget.biz (http://www.yourtarget.biz/)

He has AR 500 stuff, and also supplies some of the local military's needs.

Bill is a great guy and easy to work with. :)