I have tried two different brands of frangible 223 ammo using 3/8 Ar550 steel at about 20 and 30 yards and they both left small impacts.  Nothing crazy but noticeable tiny craters. Targets are MGM so they should be quality.

I see countless videos of users online shooting steel targets at classes or other events from much closer than 100yards, most of them appear to be 20 to 40 yards.  I assume they are using frangible ammo, but don’t know if I just need to keep trying different ammo or if they are just saying “F-it” for target longevity.

I even tried both with a 14.5” barrel so velocity should have been moderate.

I've shot my AR500 5/8" targets from 10 yds with 55 gr FMJ and there's no cratering.
I had bought mine from Make it ring targets back when they were cheap.
Maybe get thicker targets?
That's the best I got.

Angle and impact velocity.


Steeper downward angles and/or velocity roughly below 2700-2800ish fps on impact.


Thicker steel will still crater  with 5.56 if it’s hit too fast etc. The above mentioned guy is either shooting a short 5.56 barrel, has a good angled target design, forgot a zero, or is full of shit

I’ve found you need around 50yds for a 10.5”, 75yds for a 16” to have no real damage. Go 75/100 and they’ll last forever. That’s FMJ, hanging modestly from a center bolt, with a hockey puck on the back side.

I don’t think the thickness matters much for preventing cratering, but thicker will prevent denting.

Frangible or not, ask yourself what you're hoping to learn by engaging steel at such a short range with a rifle.

As others have said, I think a downward angle will help a little.  For me, I never really get closer than about 40 yards when shooting an 8" steel plate; and that's shooting regular FMJ out of a 10.5" barrel, which I suppose helps keep the velocity down.  Even so, anything under 50-60 yards seems to produce some small cratering.  But an 8" steel plate really isn't that expensive, and even if you get a little cratering, the plate should be good for thousands of rounds.  I probably have 1000 rounds on this plate and it's still going strong.  Can't imagine needing to replace it for another 5000 at least. by which time I'll have spent about $2,500 on ammo alone.

I was told by the place I ordered my AR500 steel from that you need to keep velocity below 2800 fps at the point of impact. I run 3/8”.

Norma has their 51 gr. frangible Ammo on sale for $24/50 rounds. That’s some pretty cheap Ammo and being frangible is an even better deal. Free ship over $149 and 5% off if you sign up for emails.

350 rounds for $170 shipped is a good deal these days.

Norma frangible

That is one of the brands that I tried

You guys ever tried it on short range varmints, such as groundhog?