Safety & Usage Recommendations
Choosing the Right Steel Target
Selecting the proper steel target is essential for a safe and productive shooting experience. Here’s a breakdown of the specifications and recommendations to help you make the best choice for your needs:
Material & Thickness Guidelines
1/4″ Thick AR500 Steel
- Suitable for rimfire calibers (.22LR) and standard pistol calibers up to .45 ACP.
- Not recommended for rifles or magnum rounds.
3/8″ Thick AR500 Steel
- Ideal for all pistol calibers and rifles up to .308 with impact velocity under 3,000 fps.
- For shotgun use, lead shot is safe (up to 12 Ga birdshot). Avoid steel shot due to ricochet risks and target damage.
- Some light buckshot and slug use is acceptable.
1/2″ Thick AR500 Steel
- Designed for all pistol calibers and rifles up to .338 Lapua, with impact velocity under 3,000 fps.
- Suitable for heavier use, magnum rifles, and sustained shotgun slug usage.
Note: It is the shooter’s responsibility to test their specific ammunition and ensure it does not damage the target excessively.
Safety Guidelines
Distance Recommendations: Use targets at a minimum of 10 yards for pistols and 100 yards for rifles.
Bullet Velocity: Keep impact velocity below 3,000 fps to maintain target longevity. Adjust shooting distance as needed.
Ammunition Types: Only use lead-core ammunition. Avoid steel-core, armor-piercing, or steel shot, as these can cause ricochets and severe target damage.
Protective Gear: Always wear safety glasses and hearing protection while shooting. Ensure all spectators are similarly protected.
Stake Your Targets: If your stand includes stake holes, secure it to the ground to prevent tipping or shifting during use.
Best Practices
- Bullet fragments from shooting steel targets can rebound toward shooters or spectators. Maintain a safe distance and proper angle to deflect fragments into the ground.
- Targets must be mounted securely using approved hardware to avoid damage and ensure safe operation.
- Failure to follow these guidelines may result in reduced performance or target damage and is not recommended.
By adhering to these recommendations, you’ll enjoy a safer, more durable target that stands up to your shooting sessions for years to come.
