Frequently Asked Questions

Always wear approved safety glasses & ear protection when shooting or observing shooting at any steel targets.

If targets are not “free swinging” you must make sure top of target is tilted at a 20 degree angle towards you, to deflect the bullets down. Be sure there is enough velocity to swing the target when hit.

 -GENERAL Minimum Safe Distance for 3/8" thick AR500 Steel-

30 feet(10 YARDS)  for MOST handguns

150 FEET (50 yards)  for rimfire rifles

450 FEET (150 yards) for centerfire rifles. 

Do not get closer than these distances to any steel targets.
 

Never fire a gun under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
 

To reduce the likelihood of (a) bullet ricochet, DO NOT USE STEEL Jacketed ammo.
 

All shooters must be trained & qualified in the proper and safe use of firearms.
 

Minors shooting at targets must do so under proper and qualified adult supervision.
 

Always inspect the targets before and after use for proper and safe operation. Do not use any targets if any damage or improper operation is found.

MORE SPECIFIC SHOOTING DISTANCE FOR 3/8" thick AR500 STEEL TARGETS:.

22 Rim Fire Pistol, 9mm, .38 Spl - 8 yards

.357 Pistol, .40 SW, .45 Colt, .44 Spl, .45acp, .44 mag pistol, .22 Rim Fire - 12 yards

.357 mag Rifle, .45 Colt Rifle or .44 mag Rifle - 100 yards

Shotgun w/ lead bird shot - 12 yards

Shotgun w/ std velocity 00 lead buck - 20 yards

Shotgun w/ std velocity lead slug - 50 yards

Shotgun w/ std velocity lead sabot slug – 100 yards

.22 Rim Fire Magnum – 100 yards

.30-30 - 100 yards

7.62 x 39 – 100 yards

7.62 x 54 – 200 yards

.308, .30-06 - 150 yards

.223 - 200 yards

.270 Win – 200 yards

.22-250 - 300 yards

300 Win Mag – 400 yards

45-70 – 100 yards

With the rifles, make sure you keep proper distance or you will damage the targets. Once you damage the target, it becomes unsafe at closer ranges under 50 yards. 

Keep your impact velocity under 2600 FPS to avoid damage.

You may use either plain lead or copper jacketed lead.

Do not use steel core, steel jacket, or Armor Piercing ammunition.

Do not use steel shotgun pellets or steel bb's. 

These will bounce back and maim or kill you.

Hollow Points: Some cases a .40 SW Hollow Point dimpled the steel. Even though the steel tested at full hardness. Be aware of this..22 Rim Fire hollow points are not a problem.

Discontinue use if the target surface becomes pitted. 

Bullet fragments may bounce back causing serious injury or DEATH. 

The shooter is responsible for proper use of targets. 

Use both sides of the target to prevent warping.