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Steel Target Questions
#6500092
10/18/16 03:06 AM
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 9,952
LFD2037
OP
THF Trophy Hunter
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OP
THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 9,952 |
I know to get AR500. I know at least 1/4" for handguns (just shooting 9, 40 & 45) & at least 3/8" for non magnum rifles @ 100+ yards. Here's the deal: we want to shoot 5.56, 7.62 x39 & x51 closer than 100yds. I've been to ranges where they let you do 'run & gun' @ ~20yds on steel plates w/5.56, 7.62x39 & x51. Is it dangerous to shoot rifles that close on a swinging (not rigid) AR500 3/8" thick target or is it just that it'll ruin the target quicker? I've shot stupid targets in my youth & would like to not make those dangerous mistakes again.
R.I.P. CPO Matt Mills-(DEVGRU)- You will NEVER be forgotten! 10-25-75 / 8-6-11 *K.I.A.*
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Re: Steel Target Questions
[Re: LFD2037]
#6500139
10/18/16 03:40 AM
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 6,168
Tactical Cowboy
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 6,168 |
I'd stay at least 50 yards from steel with a rifle.
You only need 3/8" mild steel for pistols.
The secret to a long life is to try not to shorten it.
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Re: Steel Target Questions
[Re: LFD2037]
#6500152
10/18/16 04:01 AM
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 29,609
SapperTitan
Taking Requests
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Taking Requests
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 29,609 |
Some companies make frangible(I think thats the word) bullets that you can shoot steel from 3 ft away with handguns no issue might look into that but not sure they do it with rifle rounds.
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Re: Steel Target Questions
[Re: LFD2037]
#6500160
10/18/16 04:11 AM
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 3,624
DStroud
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 3,624 |
I have seen shotgun slugs ricochet back 20 yard off swinging steel and hit a vehicle. We actually picked up the quarter sized flattened slug from the ground so be wary of getting too close.
"Anyone taking up handloading necessarily plays with unknown factors and takes chances. But so does anyone who drives a car,goes to a cocktail party,eats in a restaurant,or gets married."
Jack O'Connor 1963
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Re: Steel Target Questions
[Re: DStroud]
#6500162
10/18/16 04:14 AM
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 9,952
LFD2037
OP
THF Trophy Hunter
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OP
THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 9,952 |
I have seen shotgun slugs ricochet back 20 yard off swinging steel and hit a vehicle. We actually picked up the quarter sized flattened slug from the ground so be wary of getting too close. Won't be using shotgun slugs, ever. Thanks for the heads up!
R.I.P. CPO Matt Mills-(DEVGRU)- You will NEVER be forgotten! 10-25-75 / 8-6-11 *K.I.A.*
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Re: Steel Target Questions
[Re: LFD2037]
#6500225
10/18/16 10:50 AM
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Joined: May 2009
Posts: 10,404
Ramball36
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 10,404 |
Yes, for close range stuff you need to be shooting static targets cocked down at a 20 degree angle or more. If that swinging one lines up just right on a hit it can send some stuff back at you pretty fast.
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Re: Steel Target Questions
[Re: LFD2037]
#6500234
10/18/16 11:09 AM
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,499
charlesb
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,499 |
I learned a hard lesson about that, as a kid with a pellet rifle.
An angled, static target is the way to go.
Kind regards, charlesb
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Re: Steel Target Questions
[Re: Ramball36]
#6500334
10/18/16 01:03 PM
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 18,907
ChadTRG42
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 18,907 |
Yes, for close range stuff you need to be shooting static targets cocked down at a 20 degree angle or more. If that swinging one lines up just right on a hit it can send some stuff back at you pretty fast. ^^ This. For rifle, I won't shoot steel closer than 200 yards. I have seen fragments come back, and it's not cool at all. For handgun, I'll shoot angled steel from 10-15 yards with eyes and ears on. The issue with rifle rounds, mainly 223/5.56, is that close range (inside of about 150 yards) the rounds tear up steel with divots and pitting, even with AR500. There is so much speed and energy into a .224" area, that it can almost cut right through steel due to the velocity. If you do want to shoot steel at close range, go to the frangible bullets. like stated. The core of the bullet is a compressed metal powder, and will become a dust cloud when it hits. Do not use regular bullets for close in. Bullet fragments coming back at you are not cool!!
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Re: Steel Target Questions
[Re: ChadTRG42]
#6500401
10/18/16 01:32 PM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,085
J.G.
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,085 |
^^What Chad and Mike said.
Ear and eye pro are a must.
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