AP = Steel core... ?

[ZRX61]

or is there some steel core that isn't AP? Local range has a "No AP ammo" policy. Just looking for some clarification before I attempt to use steel core there.... it doesn't actually say "armor piercing" on the can...... altho my Mosins will punch the stuff clean thru 1/4in steel plate...

Or do they just call it "steel core" because Calif frowns upon AP?

I've actually used .50 BMG AP there many years ago, but on that occassion was shooting at my own piece of 3/4in steel plate (mostly.. )

[Darklyte27]

steel = harder metal therefore it penetrates. But usually the reason they dont want steelcore is it can cause fires.

[MikeH1]

not all steel core is AP. I have some surplus Czech 54R that is steel core, but it is mild steel.

[vwynn]

Black tips are tungstan core or watever.

[spencerhut]

I opened up some Lake City Black tip AP rounds and they were filled with cherry flavored filling. Mmmmm . . . I was cutting them open all day.

[ZRX61]

steel = harder metal therefore it penetrates. But usually the reason they dont want steelcore is it can cause fires.

The actual wording on the range paperwork says "No AP ammo, No steel jacket ammo"

[Darklyte27]

So whatever that range is, they dont want you penetrating anyone, but dont care if you start fires.

[merritt]

I have yet to see steel cored 54R that isn't also steel jacketed ... but that is just me.
Typically Steel is added as both a penetrator and as something cheap, lighter than lead, but still heavy. Rarely is the steel hardened to the point of actually being "armor piercing" So its going to depend on how whiny your range master is ... bring backup ammo if you are concerned.

As a side note I still haven't been able to coax a steel jacket into being pyrophoric, steel core is a different story.

[stphnman20]

read this!

http://ammo.ar15.com/ammo/project/AmmoOracleFiles_ORIG/index.html#ss109

[ZRX61]

So whatever that range is, they dont want you penetrating anyone, but dont care if you start fires.

That's pretty much my take on it

The stuff I have is Russian silver tip, it does a number on 1/4in steel plate... (the light colored marks are from my kids .22 Savage)

[sh0t1]

Every worry about those .22 ricochet...