Is This Target Suitable for an AR 15?

[Bill Murray]

I have recently started shooting AR15s at ShootSteel.com 3/8 inch AR500 targets. At 100 yards, I have seen minor cratering. 200 yards has not been as hard on the targets. My targets are mounted on 2x4s with the ShootSteel.com protector pieces (they work). My buddy and I have really enjoyed the change from paper to steel targets. Do it, you'll be glad you did.

[Failure2Stop]

+1 NO GREEN TIP

I prefer never to shoot steel at under 200 with any rifle caliber. The steel just doesn't hold up to even bunnyfart FMJ without cratering. Regardless of brand. 5.56 and .223 is just very fast in terms of velocity.

Green tip is actually less damaging than 55 gr FMJ.
The largest danger with green tip inside 100 meters is the "penetrator" bouncing and becoming a secondary projectile.

[markm]

Green tip is actually less damaging than 55 gr FMJ.
The largest danger with green tip inside 100 meters is the "penetrator" bouncing and becoming a secondary projectile.

This has been my experience too. XM193 inside of 100 yards it harsh on steel, and pocks the gong more than M855. 55 gr bullets dump velocity quickly and don't chew up steel as distance increases.

[Pappabear]

I have recently started shooting AR15s at ShootSteel.com 3/8 inch AR500 targets. At 100 yards, I have seen minor cratering. 200 yards has not been as hard on the targets. My targets are mounted on 2x4s with the ShootSteel.com protector pieces (they work). My buddy and I have really enjoyed the change from paper to steel targets. Do it, you'll be glad you did.

The fact of the matter is your steel is going to get eaten up sooner or later if you shoot it enough. But show reasonable judgement as discussed and it will last years and years. Thats what I like about the slants, they deflect the bullets down and can take more abuse IMHO.

PB

[RHINOWSO]

I ended up buying a total of 12 total torso plates, if you shoot AR at 100 yards they will dimple, so I use 6 for AR and 6 for pistol.

I agree completely. I bought 4 torsos for rifle use only and have only used 2 so far (with one primary, the other only a handful of times).

Local range only goes to 125yds - there are ones that go further out but that is my primary, easy access range so I shoot a lot of stuff at 100-125 yards.

I have hammered that piece with 5.56 ranging from various M193 and M855 loads, Wolf 55gr / 62gr loads, and 762x51-308s from 130gr SOST to 175gr BTHP loads.

It is dimpled and pockmarked from the hits, no doubt but it hangs from 2 chain on either a wood or rebar frame and the swinging allows it to deflect a portion of the energy off the metal.

No way I'd shoot it up close with a pistol, but it keeps chugging after at least 2K (?) rounds on it at 100yards - It could be much higher, that is a conservative estimate and family members have used it when I'm not around. I do file down the edges if it takes a hit there which leaves some metal hanging off, but it's very durable.

[Dr. Bullseye]

I can't always go out to 100 yards. What about using 1/2 inch AR500 targets, would they be better close up, say at 40-75 yards?

[26 Inf]

I can't always go out to 100 yards. What about using 1/2 inch AR500 targets, would they be better close up, say at 40-75 yards?

I don't think any manufacturer is going to tell you to shoot rifle plates within 100 yards.

I've shot angled plates between 40-60 yards - you get jacket shrapnel back at you. A good slice was all it took to convince me to not do that anymore and actually read the safety manual.

[Failure2Stop]

I can't always go out to 100 yards. What about using 1/2 inch AR500 targets, would they be better close up, say at 40-75 yards?

Get frangible ammo.
Thickness is not the relevant factor, the issue is spall causing injury, not worried about plate damage really.

[Adrenaline_6]

You could have got the same gong with 2 mounting points for dollars more.

https://shootingtargets7.com/steel-t...r500-gong.html

The bullseye versions aren't that much more and helps with accuracy.

https://shootingtargets7.com/steel-t...arget-470.html

[markm]

I can't always go out to 100 yards. What about using 1/2 inch AR500 targets, would they be better close up, say at 40-75 yards?

3/8" with the slant gives you about the same durability as 1/2" armor due to the impact angle. Frangible is best, but good frangible is expensive. I typically will hand load a hundred round box of thin jacket/varmint bullets and shoot them with eye pro in place for sure.