you metallurgist types . . . . .

[vantec08]

What kind of steel makes for a good PINGING target for rifle ammo? and what thickness . .. .half inch, three quarter inch? the commercial ones are so bloody expensive and flimsy looking.

[Rob454]

The shape makes more of a difference than the material given the material is a reasonable thickness. it has to be strong enough to withstand penetration or have the right shape to deflect the incoming rounds without denting/penetrating easily

You can try and find some old welding tanks or steel pipe and use that. the round shape will make bullets deflect without penetrating as easy as a straight on piece of steel. You can go to sprinkler pipe companies and they sometimes have scrap pipe they have to throw out and its easy for them to give it to you also.

[vantec08]

thanks rob

[WileyWilly]

It will also help to make more/louder noise if the steel is loosely mounted. Hung from chains or cable is the best.

[Rob454]

You may want to try novabrian. he makes steel targets and I just gave him a bunch of bells to make targets that will ding when shot at. i get these bells from work. I used to throw them out but ill be giving them to him from now on. I'm sure if he has any targets made using those bells. I believe they will work great for .22 caliber or light pistol given you put a little distance between yourself and target.
Anyway PM him he may be able to help you

Sometimes I come across steel pipe. I deal with fire and sprinkler systems at work and sometimes there are cut off pieces. if I come across any and you are local youre more than welcome to a piece. Ill drag some home if you pick it up