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Posted: 5/7/2024 7:52:17 PM EDT
I typically see AR500 steel sold in 1/4”, 3/8”, and 1/2”.
What should I get for 556/223? Will 1/4” hold up to 9mm? Will 3/8” survive 308 at 100yds? |
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Posted: 5/7/2024 8:01:34 PM EDT
[#1]
3/8 at 100 with 308 no problem. 556 fmj at 100 can cause divots but not always so watch that. Speed is what kills steel in my experience. 257 weatherby magnum at 200 will pass through 3/8 like a hot knife through butter.
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Posted: 5/7/2024 8:04:25 PM EDT
[Last Edit: pdm]
[#2]
Originally Posted By mudholestomper: I typically see AR500 steel sold in 1/4”, 3/8”, and 1/2”. What should I get for 556/223? Will 1/4” hold up to 9mm? Will 3/8” survive 308 at 100yds? I shoot my 3/8 steel all the time at 20-25 yards with a SBR….so maybe 2400fps?. It'll ding it up at times and leave little divots sometimes. Not the best for the steel but I have some pieces that are going 20 years old and they're still doing fine. From out at 100 yards 3/8 will be fine all day long with 5.56 and .308. Stay away from 855 though. That'll tear up steel. |
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Posted: 5/7/2024 8:19:25 PM EDT
[#3]
choot it and find out, big shooter.
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Posted: 5/7/2024 8:42:16 PM EDT
[#4]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By gman82001: 3/8 at 100 with 308 no problem. 556 fmj at 100 can cause divots but not always so watch that. Speed is what kills steel in my experience. 257 weatherby magnum at 200 will pass through 3/8 like a hot knife through butter. ****Need to own 257 weatherby magnum intensifies**** Catreadingnewspaperishouldbuya257weatherbymagnum.gif.jpeg |
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Posted: 5/7/2024 8:44:11 PM EDT
[#5]
I'd suggest 5/8" steel.
Just think of it as an investment because they will last a lifetime. https://makeitringtargets.com/products/ols/categories/silhouette |
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Posted: 5/7/2024 8:49:03 PM EDT
[#6]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By gman82001: 3/8 at 100 with 308 no problem. 556 fmj at 100 can cause divots but not always so watch that. Speed is what kills steel in my experience. 257 weatherby magnum at 200 will pass through 3/8 like a hot knife through butter. I've shot 3/8 ar500 at 100 yards with 25-06, 22-250 and 204 ruger, with minor divots. |
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Posted: 5/7/2024 9:11:55 PM EDT
[Last Edit: kbi]
[#7]
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Posted: 5/7/2024 9:21:29 PM EDT
[#8]
Not all AR500 is created equal. My 3/8" MGM has over 100,000 5.56 rounds hit them from 100 and out over the last 14 years. It's all perfectly fine still.
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Posted: 5/7/2024 9:22:50 PM EDT
[#9]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By JLPettimoreIII: choot it and find out, big shooter. It's really the only way to know for sure..good luck. |
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AL, USA
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Posted: 5/7/2024 9:27:28 PM EDT
[#10]
1/4" Boron harrow blades will stand up to 308 at 280yards. I haven't tried close yet but I bet it will.
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Posted: 5/7/2024 9:46:46 PM EDT
[#11]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By MtnGrouseHtr: I've shot 3/8 ar500 at 100 yards with 25-06, 22-250 and 204 ruger, with minor divots. |
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Posted: 5/7/2024 9:52:13 PM EDT
[#12]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Nobody69s: I'd suggest 5/8" steel. Just think of it as an investment because they will last a lifetime. https://makeitringtargets.com/products/ols/categories/silhouette I have one I cut from 3/4", my only gripes are that it's f'n heavy and it doesn't really "ding" it just kinda makes a "whump" sound when .223 hits it. |
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Posted: 5/7/2024 10:07:15 PM EDT
[#13]
What form factor do y’all prefer for an initial setup that will be setup and taken down?
I’ll be shooting on someone else’s land, so I’ll be taking it with me. |
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Posted: 5/7/2024 10:12:44 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Lou_Daks]
[#14]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By gman82001: 3/8 at 100 with 308 no problem. 556 fmj at 100 can cause divots but not always so watch that. Speed is what kills steel in my experience. 257 weatherby magnum at 200 will pass through 3/8 like a hot knife through butter. This is correct. I have 1/2" targets that will get small divots with 223 55 FMJ at 100 yds. Speed kills. |
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Posted: 5/7/2024 10:13:50 PM EDT
[#15]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By GreenGoose: Not all AR500 is created equal. My 3/8" MGM has over 100,000 5.56 rounds hit them from 100 and out over the last 14 years. It's all perfectly fine still. This is probably also true. Not all armor is created equal. |
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Posted: 5/7/2024 10:14:56 PM EDT
[#16]
@nvgeologist
Please post the chart |
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MI, USA
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Posted: 5/7/2024 10:21:17 PM EDT
[#17]
 What's the Deal with Steel? Ft. ShootingTargets7 Shooting Targets 7 has some really clever solutions for steel hanging. |
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Posted: 5/7/2024 11:10:22 PM EDT
[#18]
Buy the half-inch plates, they will last a long time.
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Posted: 5/7/2024 11:42:02 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Ben]
[#19]
Originally Posted By mudholestomper: I typically see AR500 steel sold in 1/4”, 3/8”, and 1/2”. What should I get for 556/223? Will 1/4” hold up to 9mm? Will 3/8” survive 308 at 100yds? The targets we use for American Pioneer Corps hosted competitions are all 3/8" thick 66% sized IPSC silhouettes. Ranges from 50y to 700y for rifle. We allow basically any common battle rifle or assault rifle caliber, plus most calibers designed for civil use. They've had innumerable rounds hit them over the last 5 years and we haven't had to replace a single target yet. If you don't have to constantly move and relocate the target, half inch should basically last you forever if you take care of it. 3/8" should be fine too. |
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AZ, USA
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Posted: 5/8/2024 12:19:41 AM EDT
[#20]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By kbi: https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/77256/Screenshot_20240507_211115_Chrome_jpg-3208378.JPG I buy my targets from shooting targets 7 Great advice in that chart. 1/2” is over kill unless one is shooting magnum energy levels or high sectional density at very high velocity. Even then, unless you move the target to ranges that reduce impact velocity the thicker steel wil still get divots. If you have to set up targets each outing the weight of 1/2” steel gets tiring. At longer range bigger, thinner gongs actually make more noise. |
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UT, USA
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Posted: 5/8/2024 12:47:42 AM EDT
[#21]
I know when we were in the desert we shot some 1/4” armor plate, and at 50 yards we got penetration with green tip. Not 100% but enough to know you weren’t safe behind it. 1/2” on the other hand stopped 5.56 pretty well. Same for 308. Though 308 would leave a little damage. I don’t think we had AP though. Just ball ammo. AP might have had an effect.
I wouldn’t trust 1/4” to save me from a rifle. |
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Posted: 5/8/2024 1:43:56 AM EDT
[#22]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By anthem_of_the_mind: @nvgeologist Please post the chart  This flow chart works as well as my website right now. 
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Posted: 5/8/2024 1:45:27 AM EDT
[#23]
Originally Posted By mudholestomper: I typically see AR500 steel sold in 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2". What should I get for 556/223? 3/8" AR500 Will 1/4" hold up to 9mm? 1/4" AR400 is fine, not 1/4" mild Will 3/8" survive 308 at 100yds? Yes, it'll actually do better than with hot 5.56 |
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AZ, USA
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Posted: 5/8/2024 1:50:04 AM EDT
[#24]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By kbi: https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/77256/Screenshot_20240507_211115_Chrome_jpg-3208378.JPG I buy my targets from shooting targets 7 I know enough to be ignorant, but wouldn't a 12 gauge Foster slug of soft lead splatter on any of the ar500 targets? Are they extrapolating for target stand damage? |
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Posted: 5/8/2024 2:32:45 AM EDT
[#25]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By KalmanPhilter: Great advice in that chart. 1/2” is over kill unless one is shooting magnum energy levels or high sectional density at very high velocity. Even then, unless you move the target to ranges that reduce impact velocity the thicker steel wil still get divots. If you have to set up targets each outing the weight of 1/2” steel gets tiring. At longer range bigger, thinner gongs actually make more noise. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By KalmanPhilter: Originally Posted By kbi: https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/77256/Screenshot_20240507_211115_Chrome_jpg-3208378.JPG I buy my targets from shooting targets 7 Great advice in that chart. 1/2” is over kill unless one is shooting magnum energy levels or high sectional density at very high velocity. Even then, unless you move the target to ranges that reduce impact velocity the thicker steel wil still get divots. If you have to set up targets each outing the weight of 1/2” steel gets tiring. At longer range bigger, thinner gongs actually make more noise. @KalmanPhilter Close target stand is a piece of conduit tubing so I can hang steel at 50 yds I shoot my ap5 and centerline handguns at these I use these with https://shootingtargets7.com/products/superlock-gong-hangers https://shootingtargets7.com/products/steel-silhouette-targets-ac-static  Attached FileTargets in tye back at 100yds over the creek are for my .22lr prs and 10/22 and tx22 competition ( I can hit it when I try with the handgun ) My 5.56 I shoot at paper for now I need to remove a tree and branches to shoot a Lil further at steel |
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Posted: 5/8/2024 4:31:17 AM EDT
[#26]
I have a bunch of 2/3 scale IPSC from MOA, 3/8”, and have been shooting at them with .22-250 60 grain varmint bullets and a fair amount of 62 grain TTSX bullets for years and they are fine. They are setup at an angle a bit.
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Posted: 5/8/2024 5:50:40 AM EDT
[Last Edit: pdm]
[#27]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By mudholestomper: What form factor do y’all prefer for an initial setup that will be setup and taken down? I’ll be shooting on someone else’s land, so I’ll be taking it with me. Can you drive to where the targets will be placed or will you need to carry them a ways? For rifle I like the IPSC full or 1/2 silhouettes which are also great for pistol drills. I also have a bunch of 8" circle plates on folding stands that I set up in various configurations for different drills. Check this thread out |
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USA
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Posted: 5/8/2024 9:03:42 AM EDT
[#28]
If you're setting up and taking down OP, 3/8 is better.
Mine do just fine with 5.56. As others have said, stay away from using m855 or m193, they'll be better off. |
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Posted: 5/8/2024 1:49:52 PM EDT
[#29]
I appreciate everyone’s feedback.
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GA, USA
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Posted: 5/8/2024 1:57:25 PM EDT
[#30]
I've been shooting my 3/8" AR500 plates and silhouettes for many years with 5.56 / 7.62 even green tip. Yes, it makes a tiny dent, but I'll never wear it out.
I can't imagine how many thousands of rounds it would take to shoot it to failure. I don't see or feel any damage with 9mm, but I'm sure there's some. |
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Posted: 5/8/2024 2:09:57 PM EDT
[Last Edit: nvgeologist]
[#31]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Phineas7: I've been shooting my 3/8" AR500 plates and silhouettes for many years with 5.56 / 7.62 even green tip. Yes, it makes a tiny dent, but I'll never wear it out. I can't imagine how many thousands of rounds it would take to shoot it to failure. I don't see or feel any damage with 9mm, but I'm sure there's some. Many thousands. Way more than the cost of the target. But it happens. Cracks and bends are more common than beating your way through the steel, assuming you're using it per manufacturer guidance. Edit:  2018 photograph, as I recall this is on the Nellis Air Force Base range. Photo taken while visiting the site to quote them on some replacement targets. |
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Posted: 5/8/2024 5:39:19 PM EDT
[#32]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By nvgeologist: Many thousands. Way more than the cost of the target. But it happens. Cracks and bends are more common than beating your way through the steel, assuming you're using it per manufacturer guidance. Edit: https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/152077/1000022392-3208847.jpg 2018 photograph, as I recall this is on the Nellis Air Force Base range. Photo taken while visiting the site to quote them on some replacement targets. Woah, that’s cool. What caused that? Just lots of rounds on it? |
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Posted: 5/8/2024 5:51:36 PM EDT
[Last Edit: nvgeologist]
[#33]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Tobysi: Woah, that's cool. What caused that? Just lots of rounds on it? Lots and lots of rounds on it. I can't find a good picture, but the yeti in this picture is 1/2" AR500, about six feet tall, at 100 yards on a machine gun rental range outside Las Vegas. The Deathclaw (nearly eight feet tall) was being installed that day.  Angle makes 'em both seem shorter. |
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Posted: 5/8/2024 5:55:51 PM EDT
[#34]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By nvgeologist: Many thousands. Way more than the cost of the target. But it happens. Cracks and bends are more common than beating your way through the steel, assuming you're using it per manufacturer guidance. Edit: https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/152077/1000022392-3208847.jpg 2018 photograph, as I recall this is on the Nellis Air Force Base range. Photo taken while visiting the site to quote them on some replacement targets.
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Posted: 5/8/2024 7:12:46 PM EDT
[#35]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Tobysi: Woah, that’s cool. What caused that? Just lots of rounds on it? Repeated impacts deform one side which actually stretches it and causes it to warp like that. |
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MOZ
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Posted: 5/8/2024 7:24:49 PM EDT
[#36]
I shot some AR500 1/4” plate with M193 about a decade ago...
https://youtu.be/4z9MgupTGhU?si=Hv1e3UY_yFT8R5mA |
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Posted: 5/8/2024 7:57:15 PM EDT
[Last Edit: pdm]
[#37]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Kuraki: Repeated impacts deform one side which actually stretches it and causes it to warp like that. Steel targets cup towards the direction of impact. We used to routinely flip targets around to get more life out of them. Those targets in the pic have been recently flipped around but they’re in bad shape. Probably crack. Op, here’s some action target 8” rounds that have a lot of rounds on them. In the 10’s of thousands mostly handgun but lots of 5.56 on them too from 25 yards and in. These are 20 years old.  Attached File Attached FileThis is one of my MGM stab and shoots. Maybe 20 years old….lots of 5.56 on them from close in. One of them was starting to cup so I flipped it and it’s not almost flat again.  Attached FileThis one below is a 1/2 size ipsc from Amazon. Probably Chinese…. It’s held up great. Lots of 5.56 on it too.  Attached File |
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SC, USA
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Posted: 5/8/2024 8:01:38 PM EDT
[#38]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By borderpatrol: Buy the half-inch plates, they will last a long time. But it won’t ring as well |
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Posted: 5/8/2024 8:04:48 PM EDT
[#39]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By pdm: Steel targets cup towards the direction of impact. There's a lot of scary bad steel out there on some home and public ranges. |
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Posted: 5/8/2024 8:20:26 PM EDT
[Last Edit: MedmanKS]
[#40]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Nobody69s: I'd suggest 5/8" steel. Just think of it as an investment because they will last a lifetime. https://makeitringtargets.com/products/ols/categories/silhouette I have some. It’s heavy AF. Guess I’ll have 257 Robert’s anxiety…  This isn’t AR500, just 3/8 structural steel. But those larger holes are mild loads of 45/70 from 100. Smaller are FMJ 5.56. Just goes to show that the quality of the steel matters. |
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Posted: 5/8/2024 9:01:08 PM EDT
[Last Edit: cmw]
[#41]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By mudholestomper: What form factor do y'all prefer for an initial setup that will be setup and taken down? I'll be shooting on someone else's land, so I'll be taking it with me. If it's a small amount of shooting there are some compact setups - just got a sample of a new T-post hanger sort of like this: (trying again with an image) For any substantial volume of shooting I'm 100% for targets with holes for hanging from S hooks on poly rope strung on a wooden frame. Have shot steel a lot & been involved in running lots of classes/competitions. Given enough time everything downrange gets hit with splatter, jackets, and direct strikes. Bolts get destroyed when hit, S hooks you can usually find and re-use. Chains and metal stands collect jacket fragments, and get sharp edges when hit. Wood splinters but it doesn't get overly difficult to handle and is much simpler to dispose of when no longer serviceable. It is helpful to close down the S hooks a little tighter and paint them orange. Flame suit on. |
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Posted: 5/8/2024 9:01:11 PM EDT
[#42]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Beretta_Jerry: I know enough to be ignorant, but wouldn't a 12 gauge Foster slug of soft lead splatter on any of the ar500 targets? Are they extrapolating for target stand damage? I've never shot steel with slugs, but my guess is that they would bend/cup the thinner material. Especially toward the edges. Ask me how I know 308 and 500 S&W will.
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AZ, USA
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Posted: 5/8/2024 9:14:37 PM EDT
[#43]
No problem with 3/8 plate and 5.56. Yes short distance like under 50 yards can leave a tiny dimple but nothing more
I have hit mine with 300 win mag at 100 yards too. Plate held fine if you are getting big dimples it’s cheap steel and there’s a lot of it out there. |
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Posted: 5/8/2024 9:23:43 PM EDT
[#44]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Eat_Beef: I've never shot steel with slugs, but my guess is that they would bend/cup the thinner material. Especially toward the edges. Ask me how I know 308 and 500 S&W will. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Eat_Beef: Originally Posted By Beretta_Jerry: I know enough to be ignorant, but wouldn't a 12 gauge Foster slug of soft lead splatter on any of the ar500 targets? Are they extrapolating for target stand damage? I've never shot steel with slugs, but my guess is that they would bend/cup the thinner material. Especially toward the edges. Ask me how I know 308 and 500 S&W will. I use 3/8 ar500 steel. 12 GA slugs wallop them but no damage. Same with 556 as long as you don't shoot them to close. The ring from 3/8 is much better than thicker steel |
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Posted: 5/8/2024 9:29:31 PM EDT
[#45]
 first I was like  But then i was like (30-06 blacktip) |
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Posted: 5/9/2024 12:01:29 AM EDT
[#46]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By doc_Zox: https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/3097/1D8B135F-EE35-4EEE-84FC-EDFF08DAE91C-3209181.jpg first I was like https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/3097/F11C88DB-A64E-4715-BC54-A3F379AE226D-3209183.jpg But then i was like (30-06 blacktip) |
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