Steel target frustrations

[jpm2953]

Hello All, I am on my 3rd attempt of making a swinging steel target. I'm still not happy. I've done everything from 1" thick aluminum, 1/2" thick steel and now 3/8" thick steel. I'm shooting a .223 AR at 200-300 yards. I'm getting some serious craters and even some full penetration still. Anyone have any pointers for me? thanks

 

[77REBELBOWTIE]

Most plate steel is mild steel, which means its relatively soft. If you can score a piece of Tri-Braze, a hardened steel, it should work. We use it alot at work in places where mild steel will wear out fast. You have to have a carbide bit to drill it.

 

[Khewitt]

I use 1" thick steel plate for my targets. DO NOT get closer than 200yds when firing at it. I'm thinking about getting some AR500 grade steel, however it is expensive. But it will hold up close and far with the AR and other rifle rounds.

 

[thetroll]

try tempering the plate, heat it to a dull red color with a torch and then dip it into some oil sand mixture, this is called oil quenching and should impart a mild case hardening to the plate , you might have to do this more than once, do some research on hardening steel and you should be able to come up with a suitable solution, my memory fails me about any more details , we used to do this all the time, good luck bill timmerman

 

[AngryApe]

Bigdogsteel.com - buddy of mine bought from them and we've shot with and AR at 25ft without damaging at all.

 

[Barker Tactical]

Barker Tactical Target Systems
678-827-2887

Call us anytime. We could make some suggestions and take some of the frustration out of shooting steel.

 

[ITSNOTME]

DEAR GOD MAN!!! We just finished some 400+ yard shooting this past weekend using 3/8 mild plate, barely a dent. In the past we've shot 100-250 yard and have done exactly what I see there. Let me guess, hit the same hole twice and you're thru? My advise, pay a little extra for the hardened plate (it'll last), or back waaaaayyy up. Fun though, isn't it!!

 

[04 rocko taco]

AR500 (aint cheap though) steel or 1" mild steel will usually get you there. 1" is HEAVY though. lol.

 

[richierich69]

Pay for the quality. Here is a plate that has taken it all. Including 50BMG 661 gr at 400yrds. It will take a 7.62x54R at less than 50 yards as well.

These targets are from Barker.

Rich

 

[jpm2953]

wow. looks like i just need to order up some hardened steel targets. Ebay has some for like 30 bucks but i'd rather support some of the guys that are on here.