Hi guys. I want to get some steel targets to shoot at but most of the ones I come across say that they are for .22 and 9mm. I have a few question about steel targets and different ammo. I alway shoot FMJ rounds because they are cheap. I shoot .22, 9mm, .40, .45, .223 and 12gauge slugs. What kind of steel target and ammo should I use together? Can I just go and pick up on of those small steel targets from Dicks and shoot my FMJ's into it? Will they ricochet? Do I have to buy hollow points? Do I need a specific steel target?? Please keep in mind I have NO IDEA about this so please school me! Thanks guys.

Can I just go and pick up on of those small steel targets from Dicks and shoot my FMJ's into it? Check the package to see what they can handle. They may be for .22 only.

 

Will they ricochet? They may. That is why they have to be angled downward. It is more likely you will get splatter (bullet fragments).

 

Do I have to buy hollow points? No. Good targets can handle FMJ.

 

Do I need a specific steel target?? Yes. They must be rated to handle centerfire pistol.

 

My friend has these and they are good. http://www.gttargets.com/ . Go to the bottom of page and look for "Steel Targets and Bases"

I think for most steel targets they recommend a minimum distance to stand away from them for safety

 

I have some cheap 8" swing plates I bought from midwayusa, about 15 bucks each, they say they are good for 9mm only, but I've shot at them up to .357mag and they've been fine.

Call Mike Gibson Manufacturing for your answers. And you don't have to "press one" for English!

 

www.mgmtargets.com Let Mike know what calibers you shoot and at what distances (especially the rifles) and they will tell you what to buy that you won't blow a hole through. Talk to a professional and get the job done right the first time!

 

If you want to see some Pros shoot steel this weekend, stop-by the Old Bridge outdoor range for the World Class Steel Match: www.worldclasssteel.com .

 

We wrote the book on STEEL!

 

Dave

Thanks guys. Another question, some of the ones I have seen say up to .357 mag. Can I shoot a .223 at that? What would be the worst case scenario if I shoot a steel target with a higher power bullet that its rated for? Keep in mind I like to shoot the rifle rounds from no less the 50 yards and the handgun rounds at about 25 yards. I dont really care if I waste one of these cheap targets in my trials.

Worst case scenario is you can damage the target, the other thing is splatter and fragments coming back at you or someone else if not positioned properly, but that can also happen with the proper rate ammo.

 

Harry

Another question, some of the ones I have seen say up to .357 mag. Can I shoot a .223 at that? No. .223 hits with more energy in a smaller area. There are steel targets specifically designed for rifles. Buy one of those.

 

What would be the worst case scenario if I shoot a steel target with a higher power bullet that its rated for? Damage to the target including cracking it, breaking it or putting a hole in it.

Most of the little caldwell targets are CRAP. Even the ones that say for 30-06. They mean 30-06... shooting lead... at 1000fps or less. Which isn't really 30-06 anymore. 7.62x39, .223. .308 will all put holes right through it, and hot centerfire ammo from a pistol will dent the hell out of them.

 

The big caldwell ar550 gong is pretty solid form what I have heard though. It's also $100.

 

If you want something durable for pistol, you want something made out of AR450 or better (or a differently named equivalent).

 

For rifle, you want AR500 or better. HAlf-inch thick is best, but unless you plan to REALLY beat the crap out of it, 3/8" will do.

 

Mike gibson manufacturing makes very nice stuff (mgmtargets.com). Their auto poppers rock for rifle practice at 100+ yards if you don't mind the price.

 

GT Targets makes OK stuff, not as nice in my opinion, but several of their pieces are on the more clever side, and some of them, although not as nice also aren't as overbuilt, and thus more affordable.

 

Action target makes some nice stuff. For simple transport and setup, their evil roy target is awesome.

 

BTW, do NOT put your ar500 targets closer than 100 yards when shooting rifle. .223 will pock mark the surface a bit at 50 yards just on velocity.

 

If you want something cheap to abuse, you cna get ar500 plates from wideners in 1/2" thickness for a very reasonable price. It's ugly but functional, and cheap.

 

If you like the MGM autopoppers, I just scored a couple of "auto-reset steel" from bunker hill steel. ( http://bunkerhillsteel.hostedbyamazon.com/ ) It's their only product, not as nicely cut as mgm, gt, or action targets, but much nicer than the stuff from wideners, and at $80 it is 3/8" ar500 and comes with a couple of lag bolts and an extra spring. I got two recently (two fit in one flat rate USPS box), but haven't gotten to shoot it yet.

I have nevco steel targets. Use them for everything from .22lr to 308.

I have Artzen Targets and they are friggin awesome.

 

Buy yourself some 3/8in AR500 plates (from them or someone else) and call it a day. That way you don't have to worry about distances or calibers, you know it can pretty much handle anything (ok, maybe not anything but mostly anything). That's what I did, and I never looked back.

 

P.s. - I would suggest getting a few, that way you can use some for pistol and use some for rifle But it really doesn't matter. The more the merrier!