Best chain to use for hanging targets?

[Joe Link]

I built a stand for my hanging gongs using these sawhorse brackets. While it works great, the chain is breaking far too often (especially when hit with 5.56). Is there a type of chain I can (and should or should not) use that is more resistant to being stuck by bullets?

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[Dozer99]

No being a SmartA$$ at all, but try not to hit the chain. Heavier chain will hold up longer but just delay the inevitable. No chain out there will withstand multiple hits from 5.56 and is resistant to being struck by bullets!

 

[Joe13]

I've been using those brackets for a few years, great way to make portable hangers



As for chains, all I know is bigger is better but if your hitting the chain at all it's going to break, especially if you're using green tip ammo.

 

[Joe Link]

Good info guys. I'm pretty good about not hitting the chain. The beginners I take shooting? Not so much

I'm also a little concerned that if the chain didn't break it might ricochet in an unsafe direction.

 

[Ura-Ki]

Try using heavy cable! You can get it in small enough lengths, and very thin making it harder to hit, you can also swedge it easily enough with hand tools and should be cheaper then chain!

Or, you could use some of this chain, each link weighs about 100 pounds, but should hold up to just about any thing under a 5 inch HE round! Prolly only need a few links per side

 

[Joe Link]

Cable, that's a great idea!

 

[No_Regerts]

Used fire hose and rubber works well. I've seen separated jackets break stuff too.

 

[nammac]

Used fire hose and rubber works well. I've seen separated jackets break stuff too.

^^^This...

Firehose
Truck tire inner tubes (think commercial trucks)
Other type of woven straps, maybe like seatbelt webbing...

 

[v0lcom13sn0w]

see if you can find old fire hose and cut it into strips. it sucks when you hit the chain and the target falls down

just search for used fire hose or fire hose by the foot on ebay.

 

[Joe13]

I can say rope doesn't work for sure


A guy I took shooting brought some 8" plates and 1/2" rope to hang them up.

Took 4 shots with his 5.56 at 100 yards ok.

Only took one hit from my 7.62x39 to yank it off.

He said he loosened it up before i shot it, so I one shot the other 3.

He wasn't pleased but he did start to ask about the cartridge after that

 

[cigars]

Which reminds me, I think I owe @Reno some chain from a couple of cleanup ago in Tillamook...

 

[Member 34319]

Which reminds me, I think I owe @Reno some chain from a couple of cleanup ago in Tillamook...

Hitting the chain just means you are a better marksman than those hitting the plates!

As for my chain.

I get it at harbor freight in a bucket. Something like 50 feet or so for 10-15 bucks.

I've recently done away with chain stands for the most part and adapted everything to use a static stand. Now I just need to replace 2x4s instead.

 

[Member 34319]

Never mind, prices on the stuff have gone up a bit.

1/4 in. x 35 ft. Chain Coil

 

[Mark W.]

Hang the target with a 4" wide section of mud flap or conveyer belting. You can buy new truck mud flaps for 3-4 bucks cut in strips with a utility knife punch some holes for bolt holes. That way you would have to hit the swingy part a bunch of times to cut it.since going through the rubber the line will be only slightly bigger then the slug.

 

[Twodogs]

I'm using an old tow strap for gongs.

 

[Kruel J]

I built a stand for my hanging gongs using these sawhorse brackets. While it works great, the chain is breaking far too often (especially when hit with 5.56). Is there a type of chain I can (and should or should not) use that is more resistant to being stuck by bullets?

Metal.

 

[titsonritz]

Hang the target with a 4" wide section of mud flap or conveyer belting. You can buy new truck mud flaps for 3-4 bucks cut in strips with a utility knife punch some holes for bolt holes. That way you would have to hit the swingy part a bunch of times to cut it.since going through the rubber the line will be only slightly bigger then the slug.

That's the ticket, something wide that can soak up hits.

 

[bbbass]

I like the non-metallic ideas shared here.

However, if you must use chain, Grade 80 has the highest tensile strength. Here is some Grade 70 from Home Depot: Crown Bolt 5/16 in. x 20 ft. Grade 70 Yellow Zinc Plated Steel Tow Chain with Grab Hooks-803082 - The Home Depot

 

[2A2Dend]

As mentioned.
Fire hose = Hit up the local FD for worn, likely free.
Rubber belting = IE: Conveyor

 

[DirectDrive]

I built a stand for my hanging gongs using these sawhorse brackets. While it works great, the chain is breaking far too often (especially when hit with 5.56). Is there a type of chain I can (and should or should not) use that is more resistant to being stuck by bullets?

Conveyor Belt
You can buy it online pre-cut, cheap

I do the spring mounts on my plate rack and I will set up singles on a vertical 2x4 using the same principle.
Shown in the pic is 1" EMT (electrical conduit) with a 2x4 top rail.
One 10' stick cut in half makes 2 legs.
Those end frames are the cat's meow and use the hitch pins !
Shoot Steel is the vendor.


Do an Image Search on "steel target hangers" and you will get a ton of ideas.