Mild steel targets

[kevins750]

We have an annual shoot on Monday and I always take my 3/4" AR plate 20x24" targets
For everyone to try and hit at 1000yds. Problem is they weigh 100+lbs and don't move with impact and some of the people don't have capable scopes to see the splash.

So one of the guys is bringing a 20x20" 1/4" mild steel plate. At 1000 yards will 243, 6.5c
270, and 30-06 just punch holes in it. Not sure if they will reach(these guys are hunters with
Hunting ammo) just curious.

[hermosabeach]

I don’t know?

Ar500 will splatter the bullit.

Soft steel will spit the bullet out
More of a fire risk

So clear a large area..... no need to risk a fire when copper sparks on steel

[desertrider]

My two cents worth is pretty vague here.

At 1k yards I have no idea how much energy is left in a 30-06 round, but my guess is that it probably is enough to at least seriously crater 1/4" mild steel, if not go through it.

I have several mild steel plates, but they are only used for non magnum pistol calibers.

[subscriber]

At 1000 yards those rifle bullets will have pistol (muzzle) energies. Even those will dent 1/4" mild steel plate.

Why not get AR500 in the same size? 1/4" AR500 will stop any of those rounds at 100 yards. Leaving a dimple. Lots of hits in the same location will tend to bow the plate.

3/8" AR500 will stop any those rounds at 100 yards, without any damage, unless struck right on the edge. That said, 1/2" plate would be recommended for extended use.

So, 1/4" AR500 at 1000 yards will be just fine for continuous use with those calibers. 5/16" would be better.

If you want a second opinion, ask Calvin at Quality Targets Inc: https://www.qualitytargets.com/
Calvin Byers <calvinbyers@gmail.com>
Phone: 618-245-6515

[subscriber]

If 3/8" AR500 performs like this at short range, what do you think it will do at 1000 yards?

To go directly to the .50 BMG, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-H2...outu.be&t=1344

[sigstroker]

I've shot at 1/4" steel before, but at closer range. It's pretty soft. I wouldn't be surprised if the .243 drilled it.

It's not super cheap, but you could get a Magnetospeed hit light for $145 and stick it on your heavy target.

https://ads.midwayusa.com/product/1021619857?pid=271348&utm_medium=shopping&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Shooting+-+Range+Accessories&utm_content=271348&cm_mmc=pf_ci_google-_-Shooting+-+Range+Accessories-_-MagnetoSpeed-_-271348&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI7s_BhfLe5QIVgeNkCh2x0gYZEAQYAyABEgIsaPD_BwE

https://magnetospeed.com/collections/target-hit-indicator

https://magnetospeed.com/pages/how-it-works-t1000

[TrailerparkTrash]

[Some Guy]

Spray paint it every so often?

[kevins750]

Spray paint it every so often?

What I meant by "splash" is knocking the paint off when hit.
Like I mentioned before several of these guys are just casual shooters
With hunting scopes and can't really see the "spots" and those of us who can see
Don't want to be "spotting" for them the whole time.

So these guys are the ones bringing the mild steel, seem to think
They will see the target rocking. Thus a "hit".

[vinconco]

AR500 has a sharper sound than mild steel which sounds flat and dull.

Here is a vid of a 24" round AR500 3/8" getting hit with a 77 SMK .223 @ 500 yards. At 550 ft. lbs. energy there is enough to move the plate.
I could easily hear the hits at that range through my ear protection.



The Hang Fast Hanger System allows the plate to move freely when hit and the single mounting point acts to enhance harmonics resulting in a better clang.

Thinner AR500 rings better so a 1/4" x 24" round at 1000 yards would move and sound better than 3/8". Eventually, after many hits the target will start to take a "bend" (warp). This can be easily dealt with by reversing the target plate occasionally. Our hanger system makes this easy because a wrench is built into the hanger. Simply spin off the bolt and reverse it in the plate... takes about 30 seconds.

Remember our 10% discount to all CALGUNS members.
Use code: CALGUNS10 at checkout.

[TrailerparkTrash]

AR500 has a sharper sound than mild steel which sounds flat and dull.

Who cares what it sounds like. Mild steel (((GONGS))) just fine when shooting it. Do you wanna pay for more expensive "sound?"

[vinconco]

Clang is King !!

Who cares what it sounds like. Mild steel (((GONGS))) just fine when shooting it. Do you wanna pay for more expensive "sound?"

Good question. The short answer is Hell Yeah!!

When given the choice I would say 99% of all shooters would like to HEAR the hit as well as see the plate dance. I am constantly asked by my customers if my steel has good sound and I tell them that sound was one of the primary goals of my new hanger design.

SAFETY.... The primary reason for AR500 target plates is safety. Mild steel will become damaged by high velocity bullets creating craters which will cause bullet frags to be directed back toward the shooter and bystanders at considerable velocity. If you only shoot the mild steel with handguns this is not a problem but EVERYBODY has a knot head friend with an AK that WILL shoot the steel you told him NOT to and then it is dangerously damaged. Most people will continue to shoot the damaged steel until one day somebody catches a frag and has to have it surgically removed... ask me how I know.

So save money on targets and give it to the doctors or worse.... lawyers, it's your choice.

[TrailerparkTrash]

Good question. The short answer is Hell Yeah!!

Ha ha, now that was a great reply! Hats off....

SAFETY.... The primary reason for AR500 target plates is safety. Mild steel will become damaged by high velocity bullets creating craters which will cause bullet frags to be directed back toward the shooter and bystanders at considerable velocity. If you only shoot the mild steel with handguns this is not a problem but EVERYBODY has a knot head friend with an AK that WILL shoot the steel you told him NOT to and then it is dangerously damaged. Most people will continue to shoot the damaged steel until one day somebody catches a frag and has to have it surgically removed... ask me how I know.

So save money on targets and give it to the doctors or worse.... lawyers, it's your choice.

I completely agree with you about rifles and AR500... to an extent. At greater distances (rifle distances beyond 100 yds), shooting mild steel definitely pokes holes or "craters" the heck out of the steel. But who cares (my opinion anyway after 35+ years of shooting it). Ear and eye pro are always a 100% must when shooting metal. At 100yds or beyond, its never a problem as far as getting metal fragment blow-back with my .22win mag, .22 Hornet, 5.56, 6mm, 7.62x39, 7.62x51, 7.62x54 etc...

As far as the "lawyers" you mentioned, Im not in the business of selling the targets I make. Nor does the "public" pay nor even use my personal mild steel targets I have. If I were a gun range owner or something like that, I'd definitely take your side of the argument.

I'm just a weekend desert target shooter of steel... and saving money on more ammo. Only my family and close buddy or two shoot my targets.

[vinconco]

bang &amp; Clang

Maybe I can change your mind about the CLANG....

In this video I'm shooting a 22 RF and a 9mm carbine @ 200 yards at a 10" square AR500 1/4" target mounted on our Hang Fast Hanger System

What would you rather hear.... the dull thud of soft steel or this?