Shooting Steel Plates

[Tlock]

Was $200 for everything minus the legs, I had to supply the conduit. Came to $250 altogether. I think I can fit the legs and hangers in a folding lawn chair bag and the targets in an old dewalt bag. I forget the diameters of the plates. When I say quality, I mean "quality".

It looks like a good setup!

 

[DirectDrive]

We shoot a lot of AR500 with no problems, no etching or cratering.
Every kind of pistol ammo, but no penetrator rifle ammo at pistol distances.

 

[dangerranger60]

So many Steel target manufacturers recommend "soft nose bullets" at 25 yards for handguns. Yet to find soft nose bullets sold in Portland metro aera. I guess jacketed open tip? Can you use just jacketed? What about SD ammo? Folks on TV are blasting at what seems like 10 yards & up. Sanctioned matchs on Shooting USA. What are they useing?Advise needed, thanks in advance!

I would think plated bullets would be safe on steel also. If you are shooting factory ammo look for bullets marked Copper Plated, Copper washed, Total Metal Jacket [TMJ] Etc... These are a very thin coat over a soft lead bullet. DR

 

[DirectDrive]

So many Steel target manufacturers recommend "soft nose bullets" at 25 yards for handguns. Yet to find soft nose bullets sold in Portland metro aera. I guess jacketed open tip? Can you use just jacketed? What about SD ammo? Folks on TV are blasting at what seems like 10 yards & up. Sanctioned matchs on Shooting USA. What are they useing?Advise needed, thanks in advance!

I think that's a Cover My A$$ disclaimer.
We shoot every kind of handgun ammo at our AR500 steel and no issues.
Typical distance is 17-20 yards for our set up.
The AR500 just gets smudged where the bullets impact. (no nicks, no craters)

 

[Rod Trout]

I think that's a Cover My A$$ disclaimer.
We shoot every kind of handgun ammo at our AR500 steel and no issues.
Typical distance is 17-20 yards for our set up.
The AR500 just gets smudged where the bullets impact. (no nicks, no craters)

Makes sence, thanks

 

[Flopsweat]

I think that's a Cover My A$$ disclaimer.
We shoot every kind of handgun ammo at our AR500 steel and no issues.
Typical distance is 17-20 yards for our set up.
The AR500 just gets smudged where the bullets impact. (no nicks, no craters)

I just shot a few hundred rounds of FMJ, copper plated wad cutter and #7½ bird shot at some AR500 plates a few hours ago. Everything deflected into the ground in front of the targets, just like it always does.

 

[TTSX]

I shoot my 3/8" plate at 40 ft, sometimes less with a 240 grain .44 magnum and everything is fine. Just shoot, you'll be ok.

I also have a 3/4" AR 550 that's taken hits from my .50 BMG at 400 yards without a mark. AR plates are tougher than people give them credit for.

 

[SCARed]

Ya, but this thread isn't really talking about damage to the target, its the splashback and damage to humans.

 

[Capn Jack]

I have a Caldwell "Shoot'n Gallery". It's motorized with ducks on a chain The unit is for .22 rimfire and the first time I used it, I had it sitting on a work bench.

Even though the ducks are knocked down by a hit, I was really surprised by how much the bench was being torn up by the downward deflected bullets.

I have been struck several times by bounce back, usually below the knee while shooting lead .38 Spl. and 9mm at close range at steel. (Under 10 yards) The targets were not hanging.

 

[ma96782]

At SASS we shoot ONLY LEAD at the steel. Mind you that we shoot at very close range. And, a lot of us use reduced loads.

Anyway.....lead bullets ain't hard to find. If I may suggest...... Contact this guy :

Bullets - T&B Bullets

tbbullets.com

Aloha, Mark

 

[Member 53328]

If you're that concerned with splash back just shoot paper…..

Otherwise put on your eye protection, slant/hang your steel, give your balls a tug, and carry on.

 

[Rod Trout]

I just shot a few hundred rounds of FMJ, copper plated wad cutter and #7½ bird shot at some AR500 plates a few hours ago. Everything deflected into the ground in front of the targets, just like it always does.

Distance?

 

[Mike_M57]

We'd put a bale of hay in the fragment impact area if we were shooting under 10 yards, just as an extra precaution.

 

[clanhanson]

Remember that once the steel target is damaged i.e. pockmarked, turn it around and use the other side or discard the target. Concave divots can cause unpredictable ricochet. Quality AR500+ steel is great stuff but can still be damaged especially if too thin for caliber and distance.

 

[Member 53328]

Remember that once the steel target is damaged i.e. pockmarked, turn it around and use the other side or discard the target. Concave divots can cause unpredictable ricochet. Quality AR500+ steel is great stuff but can still be damaged especially if too thin for caliber and distance.

Mine have "divots" and I'm still shooting them. Haven't had any issues yet.

 

[DirectDrive]

Remember that once the steel target is damaged i.e. pockmarked, turn it around and use the other side or discard the target. Concave divots can cause unpredictable ricochet. Quality AR500+ steel is great stuff but can still be damaged especially if too thin for caliber and distance.

Good point ^^^
If we have any new guys joining in, we'll have a safety meeting and discuss what ammo can and cannot be shot at the steel targets.

 

[clanhanson]

Mine have "divots" and I'm still shooting them. Haven't had any issues yet.

Key word is "yet", I'd rectify that if I were you. If not for you then for bystanders.

 

[Member 53328]

Key word is "yet", I'd rectify that if I were you. If not for you then for bystanders.

I'll continue to do what I'm doing. If I end up getting catching something that really does something then I may change my practice.

 

[kmk1012]

Key word is "yet", I'd rectify that if I were you. If not for you then for bystanders.

You and I disagree on several things but this I agree wholeheartedly with you. I've had some near misses using sub par and damaged plates. Good advice to play it safe/smart.

 

[sikhed]

If we have any new guys joining in, we'll have a safety meeting and discuss what ammo can and cannot be shot at the steel targets.

No steel birds shot!
(Ask me how I know)