Steel target question

[(M)]

I finnaly broke down and bought some steel targets rated for more than a 22lr round. My first purchase was 3/8" ar500 and according to the add I read I was under the impression it would withstand my arsenal. 22lr no problem, 9mm no problem, 45 cap no problem, 10mm started to crater it, 12 guage buck no problems but slugs defiantly cratered it. I knew enough not to shoot it with my rifles at this point. So for second purchase I bought 1/2" ar500 and am hoping this is rifle rated. I would like not to destroy these plates but would like to shoot them at different distances. Can anyone clue me in to whether 50yds would be to close with a .308 win. Is fmj ammo ok or should I limit to soft points? Thanks for any info and God bless and happy Easter. He is risen!

 

[Kahrnut]

I think most 1/2" AR500 is rated for 100 yd. min. for rifles.

 

[Kahrnut]

And you need to hang them, with a downward angle, on chain, to deflect the bullets, lessen impact damage, and reduce splash-back hazard.

 

[(M)]

S

I think most 1/2" AR500 is rated for 100 yd. min. for rifles.

So would i need ar550 or 5/8". Sorry this is all new to me and I'm trying to keep the cost of my purchases below the wifes radar.

 

[Kahrnut]

Ask 1gunsnotenough

 

[coach482]

Softer is all ways better for the targets. I got some from Safebuilder AR500. A 308 dents it at 50 yds but doesn't crater it.

 

[Falcon1]

Most AR500 is rated 100 yards for rifle caliber even 1/2". AR 550 at 50 yards with a 308 you better make sure that thing is angled correctly and don't shoot it when it is swinging in your direction...

 

[Kahrnut]

Wear yer gargles, an keep yer mowf shut.

 

[whiskerz]

Look at MOA targets, He has a chart on his website and is a great guy to deal with. He has some innovative designs as well. I have shot some matches with his targets where they saw 3 days of steady rifle use with no issues. I also saw a guy clip a 50 yard pistol target with a .308 with no damage.

 

[Moondog1]

You could buy some frangible ammo if you wanted to shoot that close with 308. 5.56/.223 will still dimple crappy ar500 targets at 100 yards. 308 can crater with enough abuse right at 100 lol. I've shot 7.62x39 at 60-70 yards with no visible damage to ar500. It's a lot slower than 308 though. I don't think all ar500 is created equally either. I don't think you should be able to crater your target with 10mm. How close were you shooting the 10mm?