What size steel targets?

i would like to start shooting/practicing at longer ranges. I plan to buy a few steel targets to setup at varying distances. I will use paper for distances to 200yds, and will use the steel for further.

My question is: what size should I get for the different ranges?
I would guess you'd want bigger sizes for the longer distances like 800-1000 yards.
So what would be good for say 300-500, 600-800?

Thanks for your time.
MH

I usually us an inch per 100yds that way I know my guns 1moa to 1000yd
500yd-5inch target
800yd-8inch

8" and 16" are nice sizes

I use 16", make the bullseye as small as you want, but if you miss by a few inches you can still see the strike and know where you are hitting.

I agree with MH WASH...the ring is very satisfying/ instant gratitude, but a clean miss is VERY frustrating. I like putting two sizes (MOA and 2-3MOA) up at longer range to catch wind, then move to the MOA once I have a handle on it.

brinker19 said:

I agree with MH WASH...the ring is very satisfying/ instant gratitude, but a clean miss is VERY frustrating. I like putting two sizes (MOA and 2-3MOA) up at longer range to catch wind, then move to the MOA once I have a handle on it.

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Also, using flat primer (not paint or primer+paint blend) dries fast and shows hits better

Since area goes up exponentially with diameter, the price for larger targets tends to get prohibitive.

If this is for hunting practice, you probably want something bigger than actual vital sizes, then paint them with a smaller sized target area (I made cardboard templates with various sized holes in them to paint over).As mentioned, this will allow you to evaluate "misses" that still land on the steel. With an unlimited budget, I'd get 24" gongs for everything, but obviously that gets pricey fast.

With a tight budget, the 12" plates are a good compromise, as you can usually get two for the price of one 16" plate, and they are large enough to simulate elk vitals.

If you're going for hardcore hunting simulations, then I'd get plates that simulate the vitals of the game you're after. I do this before deer/elk season to establish my maximum range in field conditions. Keep getting further away from the plates till I start missing...

Check your local steel shops as well. I was able to get a 30" plate with two holes to hang for less than most places advertise 24". Looking back, I wouldn't have needed AR500 at 1000+ yds, but if you don't mind squares, your local shop will likely get you a pretty good deal on something bigger like 24". The amount of cutting and scrap goes into the price, so rounds get more expensive...

I'm just getting started, hence asking here.

I was really thinking I would get an idea of minimum size needed for various distances.

Budget needs to be as tight as possible. I'd like enough targets to set up at every range, but will probably have to use a few and move them as I need. I'll be setting up on a deer hunting lease that has 75+ members and will have to put up and take down each session. Will be shooting along a high line right away.

RemHutch50 said:

I'm just getting started, hence asking here.

I was really thinking I would get an idea of minimum size needed for various distances.

Budget needs to be as tight as possible. I'd like enough targets to set up at every range, but will probably have to use a few and move them as I need. I'll be setting up on a deer hunting lease that has 75+ members and will have to put up and take down each session. Will be shooting along a high line right away.

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Squares and sizes that come even off a 4x8 sheet will be most cost effective.
I use old satellite dishes, like bell and star choice and well two legs on them then they're cheap and portable for targets. I like the shootnc targets that stick to them

RemHutch50 said:

I'm just getting started, hence asking here.

I was really thinking I would get an idea of minimum size needed for various distances.

Budget needs to be as tight as possible. I'd like enough targets to set up at every range, but will probably have to use a few and move them as I need. I'll be setting up on a deer hunting lease that has 75+ members and will have to put up and take down each session. Will be shooting along a high line right away.

Click to expand...

My opinion: 1 MOA and less can be frustrating. If a guy misses a 4" plate at 400 yds you don't know if you held too much or not enough wind most of the time. If you're looking for dimensions, I like shooting this 10" x 16" killzone gong from 400-800yds.

RemHutch50 said:

I'm just getting started, hence asking here.

I was really thinking I would get an idea of minimum size needed for various distances.

Budget needs to be as tight as possible. I'd like enough targets to set up at every range, but will probably have to use a few and move them as I need. I'll be setting up on a deer hunting lease that has 75+ members and will have to put up and take down each session. Will be shooting along a high line right away.

Click to expand...

Unless you're already a darn good shooter, I'd plan for ~2 MOA targets (16" at 800 yds, 12" at 600 yds, etc). Clean misses are frustrating, but more importantly, correctly estimating misses can be tough in the dirt, unless you have a near vertical backstop very close to the target. Knowing where and why you missed is about the only way to get better.

If you're willing to put in some work, and deal with bulky target frames, you can save a bit on homemade target stands. I use the cheap "DIY" saw horse brackets and 2x4s. For the hanger straps, I cut out the sidewalls of old tires (free at a tire shop most likely). You can get 4 targets worth (8 straps) from 1 tire. With bolts/nuts, brackets, and wood, the stands are only about $20. I screwed some eyelets into the feet, and use the cheap, "nail" style, tent stakes to keep the stands from falling over with big guns.

The stands will take dozens of hits before needing replaced. They do tend to get filled with shrapnel and splinters though, so wear gloves when handling them after they've been used a bit...

Ebay is a great place to look for targets. I found a couple vendors that had free shipping, and got plates far cheaper than any "major retailer". 3/8" AR500 is plenty for all but the craziest rifles (past 100 yds anyway).

This guy offers 20% if you buy 2+ targets, and it appears you can mix and match sizes. I think it's one of the vendors I bought from with no complaints.

With discount, the prices are as follows...
16" ~$72
12" ~$28
10" ~$20

I made these out of water pipe...very mobile since the top is smaller diameter and slides into the fittings. The rest screw together.

You guys have helped tremendously. Thanks for your help.
Haven't looked at eBay yet, but have checked out amazon and found some decent options.
Just didn't know really what sizes to start with.

Any ideas on cheap/easy portable stands would be appreciated now. The pipe idea looks good. Not sure costs on that though without finding some scrap maybe.