Shooting Steel

[Husky user]

I have been talking to a local machine shop about what steel to use for targets out to 500 yds.
They tell me 1/2"AR Plate won't stand up to medium magnum calibers(7mm-300Win)
Anybody had any experience with this?

 

[Gmac]

Abrasion resistant steel comes in a number of ratings .... you are going to want something in the 450-550 range. most common is AR500.
1/2"Ar 500 will stand up to it but how long it lasts will depend on how far away it is. As the round sheds velocity over distance it will also lose energy. At 500 yds you are good with AR500
We have ton's of steel in at our range that holds up to it.

 

[milo-2]

I have been talking to a local machine shop about what steel to use for targets out to 500 yds.
They tell me 1/2"AR Plate won't stand up to medium magnum calibers(7mm-300Win)
Anybody had any experience with this?

If it is just you, or maybe a friend or two, 1/2" AR 500 will last a long time, esp after 100 yards. Open things up to the public and you may have to figure in wear.
I have seen 7/16" mangabraze get shredded at 300 yards at a semi public range, and it is by far the best target steel I have been around.

 

[Husky user]

I would not be leaving it out there for the public.
Those AH's would ruin it in short order!

 

[levers4life]

Don't shoot the AR500 with fast, small bullets at close range. My 22-250 & 257Wby just punch holes in it out to about 200 yards

 

[milo-2]

I would not be leaving it out there for the public.
Those AH's would ruin it in short order!

LOL, 3/8" AR 500 is pretty good portable steel. Figure in speed of bullets, I have seen AR 450 pocked at 500 yards, never dreamed it possible. The lighter the steel, the more reactionary it is, and more fun. Also figure energy on targets, if your smallest case is a 338, get thicker steel, corners break off, and it has nothing to do with speed.

 

[Reelamin]

Hello yes it will hold up for 10 generations at those distances. Just go to your local AG implement and order in some good 6mm discs. You can get them in several different diameters for a fraction of armor steel. Put them on a T post with a flex center mount. Tell me how they are working after a couple years.

 

[Justice1327]

I have been talking to a local machine shop about what steel to use for targets out to 500 yds.
They tell me 1/2"AR Plate won't stand up to medium magnum calibers(7mm-300Win)
Anybody had any experience with this?

 

[snox801]

So like most said on here. I have a bunch of steel at my range. The size of the bullet or caliber does not matter. It's all speed as one posters said. I've shot steel at 100 yards with a .338 lapua improved and it bent it but not much else. I would avoid all steel at 100 yards with most calibers. Keep your impact speed below 3k and you are fine. Go for ar550 plate.

 

[Reelamin]

I thought I had a new disc, so I ran out to the shop and I do!! Looks like a 20 or 22". I don't "normally" shoot steel under 200yds as paper works just fine. I have never shot these discs at 100yds, and I will today and find out what happens. I don't have a T post that close as AH's shoot them in half, so I'll just prop it against something and let her rip. I dont have any monster wildcats. How does a 223, 30-06, and a 28N for the larger one sound? Going to go shoot some trap for 6-7hrs, then I'll shoot the disc and post up pics (NO BS PICS...TAKE IT HOW IT SHOWS UP PICS) later tonight. Have to get some yard work done as Kokanee are biting and you know I am so so so busy.

 

[epags]

Here is some educational info:

Shooting Targets 7 - Target Selection Guide

Don't Pay Too Much - Easily pick the right thickness of AR500 targets for your needs. Read on to save money and grab the targets that are best for you.

shootingtargets7.com

No I am not the owner but I have bought from them

 

[Husky user]

Here is some educational info:

Shooting Targets 7 - Target Selection Guide

Don't Pay Too Much - Easily pick the right thickness of AR500 targets for your needs. Read on to save money and grab the targets that are best for you.

shootingtargets7.com

No I am not the owner but I have bought from them

Good info ,thanks!

 

[Reelamin]

I got it done and one surprised me and I learned something today. I knew velocity mattered and no question it did for sure. 100 yards with it leaned against a solid backer with no flex or give. Shot clockwise starting at 9pm, and finished with the center right shot. I flipped the disc over for the back, so marks are opposite. I then took closer shots trying to show the amount of dimpling. The largest dimple besides the hole was the 300WSM.
20" plow disc $48, weighs 15#, and is .180 thick.
1 - 223 55FMJ 3100fps
2 - 223 55VMAX 3250fps
3 - 22-250 50BT 3900fps Went through pretty much like butter. This one surprised me and I expected maybe a little cratering.
4 - 300WSM 180 AB 3050fps Slight crack on back with no light visible.
5- 28N 160AB 3350fps Shot this one dead center on metal and dented it less than the 300

 

[Roughrice]

I got it done and one surprised me and I learned something today. I knew velocity mattered and no question it did for sure. 100 yards with it leaned against a solid backer with no flex or give. Shot clockwise starting at 9pm, and finished with the center right shot. I flipped the disc over for the back, so marks are opposite. I then took closer shots trying to show the amount of dimpling. The largest dimple besides the hole was the 300WSM.
20" plow disc $48, weighs 15#, and is .180 thick.
1 - 223 55FMJ 3100fps
2 - 223 55VMAX 3250fps
3 - 22-250 50BT 3900fps Went through pretty much like butter. This one surprised me and I expected maybe a little cratering.
4 - 300WSM 180 AB 3050fps Slight crack on back with no light visible.
5- 28N 160AB 3350fps Shot this one dead center on metal and dented it less than the 300

I'm a farmer and use old worn disc blades mostly at distance. Never a dent. My buddies 6.5-300 Weatherby mag cut a hole through a 1/2" mild steel plate like a victor torch without dimpling at 400 yards. The 1/2" AR500 and old disc blades didn't have a dent at the same distance. The concavity helps direct some energy away just as theseReelamin's pictures depict.
I use 1/2" AR500 from 100 on out and for 300-400 and beyond... free used disc blades work great!!