ok so i didn't really know where else to post this. any way, i am considering building a bullet trap to collect the remains of a bullet. and that i can shoot on certain outdoor ranges with out using no bi-metal bullets cause of the lovely E.P.A. what im trying to figure out is that what type of steel plating is recommended for this. i plan to shoot at least 308 and 338. getting any bigger than that requires some serious steel. but ive heard terms like AR500 steel and using half inch thick steel. oh ya and the ranges i plan to shoot at are 200+ meters and if it can stop 308 it can most like stop any realistic pistol caliber(9mm,40sw, and 45). i already have a design in mind i just need to more technical details. thanks for taking time to look at this

At 200 yards 3/8" AR500 and angled will handle 308. If you want 338LM you would need 400 yards and 1/2" ar550 at least. The key to a bullet trap is to angle the steel so one piece does not take all the energy. I am no expeert on bullet traps but I have shot a lot of steel and seen many rifle rounds punch through AR400 at 200 yards.
Scott
www.centerfiretraining