ShootSteel.com SRRT Target Review

[TheSierraDrifter]

Thought I would share with everyone...I recently received a Short Range Rifle Target from Shootsteel.com and tried it out today for the first time. It's a pretty nice target. I shot it from 60 yards with XM193 and 55 grain Remington .223. While it doesn't have a ringing sound, it is more like a "thwack" or slapping sound. It's great for audible and visual feedback. The only disappointing part is that it pitted the target face on a good percentage of the shots. The pitting depth was minimal but I was under the (possibly false) impression that there would be no pitting at that range, as long as the correct ammunition is being used. I've emailed the company for a response.

All in all, a great target to own for shooting at short ranges for common rifle calibers.

[tonyxcom]

I have an MGM target that I have shot with 5.56 55gr from 15y with no pitting.

Are you sure what you think it pitting is actually pitting? Sometimes the impacts look like that because of the melted? lead stuck to the target.

[TheSierraDrifter]

I have an MGM target that I have shot with 5.56 55gr from 15y with no pitting.

Are you sure what you think it pitting is actually pitting? Sometimes the impacts look like that because of the melted? lead stuck to the target.

Positive. I do know what you are referring to though as I've seen it on other steel targets I've used in the past. This pitting is minimal but pitting none-the-less.

[tonyxcom]

Are you getting the pitting on the edges or even in the center? Steel cut with a plasms tends to be soft on the edges.

But pitting at 60y, sounds like its not AR500.

[TheSierraDrifter]

Some of the pitting is on the edges, which is expected. But there are some that are in the middle too.

[tonyxcom]

I'd contact them about that.

[TheSierraDrifter]

I emailed them this evening and they responded very quickly asking for some photos. I've ordered several items from them before and they have had great customer service for me in the past.

[cwilliams]

Straight from the ShootSteel website -

"Our design uses a AR500 target, 30 degree mounting bracket and an extra large base for stability. The 30 degree angle helps prevent much of the pitting common with shooting rifles closer than 100 yards."

There's your answer. A round moving at 3000fps is likely going to leave some kind of mark at 60 yards. There's just no real way around it. You'd leave a crater if that target was set at 90 degrees. The design was created so you could safely shoot that close without having to use fragmenting bullets.

I would say if you have any real concerns to give them an email or call. They are a good company and will get back to you.

[TheSierraDrifter]

Straight from the ShootSteel website -

"Our design uses a AR500 target, 30 degree mounting bracket and an extra large base for stability. The 30 degree angle helps prevent much of the pitting common with shooting rifles closer than 100 yards."

There's your answer. A round moving at 3000fps is likely going to leave some kind of mark at 60 yards. There's just no real way around it. You'd leave a crater if that target was set at 90 degrees. The design was created so you could safely shoot that close without having to use fragmenting bullets.

I would say if you have any real concerns to give them an email or call. They are a good company and will get back to you.

Thanks for pointing out what I should have looked up myself! Duh...

I've already been in contact with them and they are requesting photos. I suspect this type of pitting is normal based on the info. you provided from their website. I've had great success with their other targets and they definitely have good customer service as I've dealt with them in the past.

[NPFreedom]

Not all AR500 steel are the same. Some are rated at AR475, some are AR525. Some places test for their steel and you can get a certificate. That is what Ron at Raahauges told me. He said all his steel are rated at above AR500. He showed me his big gong, at 40 yards, 308 doesn't do anything to it.

[Devilmonkey89]

better than this steel torso I have. It handled .223 fine, but some .308 at 132 yards did this to it.

[cwilliams]

Thanks for pointing out what I should have looked up myself! Duh...

I've already been in contact with them and they are requesting photos. I suspect this type of pitting is normal based on the info. you provided from their website. I've had great success with their other targets and they definitely have good customer service as I've dealt with them in the past.

I have several of their products as well and it all holds up under ideal conditions (no steel core, center hit, etc). The one thing I do notice, and they warn of this, is that bi-metal and steel core bullets will definitely do some pitting on AR500. This is especially so 200 yards and under in my experience and it is more prominent with targets that weigh more and resist the impact due to the weight.

I was out just today shooting one of their 5" targets that was set at about 220 yards. We hit it with bi-metal .308 bullets (via 30-06 and 7.5x54), FMJ 308, and 5.56. When I went to inspect the target during a line break it didn't even look like we had shot it other than the loss of paint. My 12" target on the other hand, which weighs 10 lbs, has acquired numerous dimples from the exact same rounds over the past couple years.

I'm not saying that they could have had a bad batch of steel, but the SRRT also has no relief for the bullet to push the target out of the way except for the 30 degree angle. I have their modular target system and it's built on the same concept. The dimples are significantly reduced or there are none at all. However, I do have one that showed up near one of the inner cuts that connects to the legs that I think was an impact from two rounds hitting in the same spot.

[L84CABO]

Some of the pitting is on the edges, which is expected. But there are some that are in the middle too.

Can you post a picture? I'd be very surprised if the target could perform at this range without at least a very slight imprint. If the target is displaying just a minimal dimple, that's still pretty impressive. I've taken CHUNKS out of AR550 steel at 80 yards. All steel is NOT created equal.

Keep in mind that 3000 FPS is about the limit for most steel and many AR rounds leave the gun at 3200 FPS. These rounds at impact are likely at the upper limit if not over what the target is rated at.

[TheSierraDrifter]

[TheSierraDrifter]