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Steel Target Questions #6500092 10/18/16 03:06 AM
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LFD2037 Offline OP
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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.


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Re: Steel Target Questions [Re: LFD2037] #6500139 10/18/16 03:40 AM
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Tactical Cowboy Offline
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I'd stay at least 50 yards from steel with a rifle.

You only need 3/8" mild steel for pistols.


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Re: Steel Target Questions [Re: LFD2037] #6500152 10/18/16 04:01 AM
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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.

Re: Steel Target Questions [Re: LFD2037] #6500160 10/18/16 04:11 AM
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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.


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Re: Steel Target Questions [Re: DStroud] #6500162 10/18/16 04:14 AM
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Originally Posted By: DStroud
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!


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Re: Steel Target Questions [Re: LFD2037] #6500225 10/18/16 10:50 AM
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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.

Re: Steel Target Questions [Re: LFD2037] #6500234 10/18/16 11:09 AM
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I learned a hard lesson about that, as a kid with a pellet rifle.

An angled, static target is the way to go.


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Re: Steel Target Questions [Re: Ramball36] #6500334 10/18/16 01:03 PM
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Originally Posted By: Ramball36
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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^^What Chad and Mike said.

Ear and eye pro are a must.


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