Advice to newbs...get yourself some steel targets

[Lucks]

I just want to advise anyone who is new to long range shooting to get themselves some steel targets. It will make shooting much more enjoyable, and the immediate feedback is awesome. There is nothing as addicting as the "clack" of hitting a AR500 steel target at distance. I think it's a big part of why I'm hooked! If you're shooting paper all the time you're missing out!

Several vendors on here can get you started for less than $100!
Outback welding
LVSteel targets
BigDog (osuarchitect)Targets
Bobcat Steel targets

 

[ksmith13]

Re: Advice to newbs...get yourself some steel targets

What is the minimum distance you would shoot AR500 with a 308? I have some 8" rounds that hang from chains but my range is only 100yds I didnt know if it would be safe to shoot that close?

 

[TrooperBrian]

Re: Advice to newbs...get yourself some steel targets

I've always just picked up scrap mild steel from the steel yard or rusted sewer caps. Usually I end up severely denting or blowing holes in it. But as a metal fabricator, grinding and welding it back is half the fun!

 

[Roguestryker]

Re: Advice to newbs...get yourself some steel targets

I have shot steel at 100 yds for years. No issues yet, but always remember your eyes and ears. Also, like Trooper said, check the target, if it is severely pitted or has holes, have it fixed, or replace. Also always use mild steel. Some hardened steel can cause ricochets.

 

[TrooperBrian]

Re: Advice to newbs...get yourself some steel targets

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Intel</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have shot steel at 100 yds for years. No issues yet, but always remember your eyes and ears. Also, like Trooper said, check the target, if it is severely pitted or has holes, have it fixed, or replace. Also always use mild steel. Some hardened steel can cause ricochets.</div></div>

Some scenarios and movie shoots require extremely close range steel targets, I always load frangibles in those rounds. Never had a ricochet or anything close.

 

[Chiller]

Re: Advice to newbs...get yourself some steel targets

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ksmith13</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What is the minimum distance you would shoot AR500 with a 308? I have some 8" rounds that hang from chains but my range is only 100yds I didnt know if it would be safe to shoot that close? </div></div>

Angle down.....

how thick on the AR500?

 

[HillbillyfromAL]

Re: Advice to newbs...get yourself some steel targets

^^^^^^
Like he said angle down

 

[Remoah]

Re: Advice to newbs...get yourself some steel targets

Our local range has its motley collection of plough discs, sewer caps, Gatic lids and other various metal objects strewn around.
Recently someone dropped off a whole trailerfull of paint cans for a western action shoot and the remnants are something to be seen.

 

[ksmith13]

Re: Advice to newbs...get yourself some steel targets

1/2" when I bought them they said they were rated for 308 but didn't know how close I could shoot at them. I have them hanging by chains with the chain on the end of the bolt so they do hang at a downward angle.

 

[Lucks]

Re: Advice to newbs...get yourself some steel targets

We shoot steel with our rifles at 100y all the time, I've never had any concerns about safety. If I was shooting it close I would definitely have eye protection on (50y or less). My experience is that the bullet explodes when it smacks that hardened AR500, so I don't think it would hurt you unless a fragment got in your eye.
I only posted this because I think a person could quickly become bored with just shooting paper, and trying to get the holes in the paper closer together! There's just something about the reactive sound and movement you get from shooting steel. It will definitely hook you!
Obviously, paper has it's place for load development, practice (dot drills), etc. But steel gives you instant feedback, and with a can of white spray paint your hits are instantly seen, even at well past 1000 yards.
Out at my range we can shoot steel targets to 1000 yards. It's just really fun to pull the trigger, 1-2 seconds later see the hit appear on the steel, then a couple of seconds after that hear the "clack" from the hit!

Here's a picture of my steel range, and hits on my 1000y target, visible at that range unlike paper.....

 

[LoneWolfUSMC]

Re: Advice to newbs...get yourself some steel targets

Love shooting long range steel.

I don't shoot rifle closer than 100 yards on steel because shit happens. It's also harder on the steel. Even AR500 will dimple (very slightly) with 5.56mm at 100.

At long range it's a blast to watch the splash then hear the ring.

 

[DaveV]

Re: Advice to newbs...get yourself some steel targets

Angle is very important. Don't forget this classic

<object width="425" height="350"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/0ABGIJwiGBc"></param> <param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/0ABGIJwiGBc" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"> </embed></object>

 

[Jackalope33B]

Re: Advice to newbs...get yourself some steel targets

HOLY SH*T!!!!!!!! I have never seen this video before, but have heard stories..

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Dave_</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Angle is very important. Don't forget this classic

<object width="425" height="350"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/0ABGIJwiGBc"></param> <param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/0ABGIJwiGBc" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"> </embed></object> </div></div>

 

[Jackalope33B]

Re: Advice to newbs...get yourself some steel targets

When you guys say "angle down", does your target have chains on the bottom of the steel to "pull" it backwards to create the downward angle?

Also, would it be better to just have a target hanging from one chain so when the bullet hits it, the target will "give" and flop around?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Chiller</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ksmith13</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What is the minimum distance you would shoot AR500 with a 308? I have some 8" rounds that hang from chains but my range is only 100yds I didnt know if it would be safe to shoot that close? </div></div>

Angle down.....

how thick on the AR500? </div></div>

 

[TEAMSENDIT]

Re: Advice to newbs...get yourself some steel targets

if the target is hangin it will be fine, it will naturally angle down when you shoot it from the force of the impact. hanging them is the best way to go no doubt.

 

[AUJohn]

Re: Advice to newbs...get yourself some steel targets

"Newbs" should REALLY spend time on paper. It's the fastest way for them to learn and track trends and spot issues.
Which is harder on steel. Steel is more fun but if you are serious about learning then paper is the right tool.
Once you have the basics it really does not matter much.
If they want to use steel they need at least to note and measure or photograph groups and movement.

 

[AUJohn]

Re: Advice to newbs...get yourself some steel targets

By the time the target has moved the fragments are already off it. Angle down.....

 

[jlaw973]

Re: Advice to newbs...get yourself some steel targets

I agree steel is fun. Like you said, shoot, see, then hear. Time delay is cool as shit!

 

[Outback]

Re: Advice to newbs...get yourself some steel targets

3/8 will handle anything 300 win or lower at300 yards. hanging steel lasts longer than anything else. About to produce a ar 500 swing set , should last forever at the request of Rifles only
5000 rounds a week is the goal to withstand.

 

[Lucks]

Re: Advice to newbs...get yourself some steel targets

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: AUJohn</div><div class="ubbcode-body">"Newbs" should REALLY spend time on paper. It's the fastest way for them to learn and track trends and spot issues.
Which is harder on steel. Steel is more fun but if you are serious about learning then paper is the right tool.
Once you have the basics it really does not matter much.
If they want to use steel they need at least to note and measure or photograph groups and movement. </div></div>

I agree. Shooting paper is a very important tool for beginners. If you skip paper and only shoot steel you could develop some bad habits that you can get away with on a big steel target but not necessarily on paper. Lowlight's dot drill on paper has probably helped my overall shooting more than anything. But...dot drills can get boring...so...
The main reason I was compelled to post this, is that steel is really FUN to shoot....which is what will help new shooters to stick with it, and sticking with it is what will ultimately help them develop their skills.

Also, I believe you can learn a lot from shooting steel, especially at distance. Steel is great to help new shooters learn to judge the wind by giving them instant feedback that they can learn from in real time. Being able to see results instantly, in ever changing conditions, is a powerful tool to help one learn how to shoot long range.