Salute 10-8/EAG steel target.

[Hawkeye]

FJB,

New website looks GREAT!

[Hawkeye]

I FINALLY got to the range with my plate to put some rounds on it. Absolutely and EXCELLENT plate. Shap and size are perfect. I ran some handgun rounds up to about 7 yards, and no back splatter issues at all. The target design and cant does a great job of sending everything down into the ground. Target itself held up great. 55gr FMJ 5.56 had zero affect on it as close as 10 yards. 115gr and 124gr FMJ and JHPs in handgun were a non issue, as was 9mm ammo through a 16 inch barreled Beretta Storm carbine.
Only two things I can think of that are noteworthy.
When we were getting ready to leave, I had about 20 rounds of older Winchster 55gr Ballistic Silvertip ammo that I wanted to dispose of. I noticed that after shooting it, there were some impact areas from it that ever so slightly dented the surface of the plate from about 20 yards. Not cratered or pitted, just some very very mild denting. You just can feel it if you run you hand over the spots. I am wondering of the ballistic tip loads were trying to act a bit more like a cookie cutter than what regular FMJ loads do. Shouldnt have any affect though.
The other thing is, that a 9mm round took a chunk out of the edge on one side. It was one of the last rounds fired of the day, as my wife was finishing up the last magazine in her 9mm XD. She was shooting on paper to the right of the plate. She decided to use her last couple of rounds on the plate. She didnt sqare up to it though and one round hit the left side edge, coming in at an angle, and took a cookie cutter chunk right out of the edge. Distance was about 12-15 yards. No biggie as it still shouldnt affect the overall use of the plate. I did use the opportunity to give her a sad puppy dog look for taking a chunk out of my brand new plate on its first trip out , and explained that you really need to square up as much as possible on steel.

I also had ordered some of Pat Rogers paper targets he designed, which I think most of you are familiar with, to try out. I must say, the 10-8/EAG paper targets are a God send. Its so nice to finally have an effective, yet versital paper target. Combine those with Salute's 10-8/EAG steel plates, and I cant think of a reason to use anything else for my personal training. So hats off and thanks to Pat Rogers for these target design's (and anyone else that may have been involved), and to FJB and Salute for the well built steel. I'll definitely be spending more money with Salute for steel and with Tango Down on the paper.

[FJB]

Hawkeye,
Glad the target performed well for you. Clipping the edge of the steel is not uncommon as with all steel targets the edge if hit at an angle is not supported by rest of the steel and will allow a slight divet or cut. Regarding the Silvertip ammo the combination of Silvertip and higher velocities from 55gr bullets at close distance you can cause very mild "denting" that you mentioned. However, it is still very safe. It is only when you see 1/16" caveatations that you need to start worrying, recommend turning the target face around to use a smooth surface and increasing distance from the target for safety. Bullets travelling inexcess of 3,000 fps when they hit the steel will start to damage the target face as it has to do with energy/heat transfer. Again we don't encourage nor recommend shooters use the targets with carbines/rifles inside of 25 yards, with preference towards 50-75 yards for safety and longevity of the target. Some customers will use one side for pistol and one for rifle so that one side is always smooth for shooting safely at 10 yards with handguns.

Again, glad that you enjoyed the target. I also agree with you regarding the 10-8/EAG paper targets. Excellent products for firearms training.

S/F

[Hawkeye]

Thanks FJB. I was aware of the cavitation depth, etc., hence no worries on my part. Again, Cant say how pleased I am with this plate. More will be ordered for sure......just as soon as I get the go ahead from "the boss".