Range Report "Soft" bullets for steel target life

[fastex500]

I know that velocity has a lot to do with impact cratering on steel, but after having a spotter tell me that the 178 AMax basically vaporizes on steel when I was shooting, I started wondering what types of bullets are better for shooting on steel.

Just from a physics standpoint, I would assume an open tip (OTBT/BTHP, Ballistic tips, lead nose) would probably allow the bullet to expand quicker, thus spreading the impact force out on a larger area and causing less damage.

I'm sure match directors would love to extend target life.

 

[KYpatriot]

Re: "Soft" bullets for steel target life

As afar as I know the commonly used bullets out there aren't hard on ar500 steel...it is the velocity that kills steel. The .high speed 22 caliber rounds in particular, stuff like the 220swift or 22-250, are gonna be harder on the steel than a 300WM. I dont think bullet construction is going to have a significant impact unless you are talking about AP.

 

[TiroFijo]

Re: "Soft" bullets for steel target life

+1000 on what KYpatrior just said.

I have experience shooting all kind of bullets, including all lead, non jacketed bullets at steel targets of different hardness levels, and it is mostly the velocity (for steel think about impact energy/full bore area) that damages the targets.

 

[Muttt]

Re: "Soft" bullets for steel target life

They were talking about this at the range the other day. The consensus was that anything over 3000 fps was going to be much more harmful than bullet type (unless AP).

 

[Arcticshooter]

Re: "Soft" bullets for steel target life

I'm curious, what is the effect of the CNC brass 50 BMG bullets on steel?

 

[rpk762]

Re: "Soft" bullets for steel target life

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Arcticshooter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm curious, what is the effect of the CNC brass 50 BMG bullets on steel?</div></div>

It is not good. I did it as a test at 1000 and I really should not have. My steel was really damaged. I gave it to a friend who now only shoots at it with small stuff.

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Re: "Soft" bullets for steel target life

Part of the work bee at our club yesterday involved welding repairs to our steel angle plate at the back end of our 50ft indoor range. We have clearly posted that we do not allow firing supersonic or jacketed loads on our indoor range. The repairs are testament to folks ignoring that request.

 

[JC Steel]

Re: "Soft" bullets for steel target life

Here is a couple pictures and videos of us shooting one of our 25% IPSC 1/2" targets.

Targets were shot 2 times with 5.56 Armor piecing rounds and one time with a 50 CAL BMG. Shooting a 750 grain AMAX. Right about 2725 FPS. The plate behind it was mild steel just holding the 25% IPSC up. It was dented pretty good from the force of the bullet. But the 25% held up great!!!!!

http://youtu.be/feL3od3hiS0

 

[Muttt]

Re: "Soft" bullets for steel target life

This one's better .... LOL.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJdz8iVUtiw&feature=related