Looking for advice on proper thickness of target for 338 LM. Target distance will be 650 yards. Was hoping to find target in 3/4" thickness. Would a 1/2" target survive long term hits? Looking at 8" diameter size.
- Thread starter 79M1a-texas
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Even 3/8” you aren’t going to put a hole through it, and maybe not even dent it with hunting or target bullets at that distance. Also its a $20-30 plate tops, hang it, and smack it. You will spend way more money in ammo than the plate costs. I’ve got some 3/8” plates shot hard with 308 and 556 at 15-20 yards that are dented and pitted, but are still solid.
I’ve been shooting at 3/8 steel with everything up to 416 barrett and they’re fine. Plates are 19 years old now. Kinda depends on the mount style. Mine hang freely
I think the 1/2" will be fine as long as you are not shooting ammo with any steel in it. Check your ammo with a magnet you will be surprised. The biggest issue with 338LM and 600 yard targets is the energy that it is carrying you will need a solid mounting system or it will just knock it over.
you will be just fine with our 1/2” AR500. And any farther I’d recommend 3/8”.
We do have a select few 3/4” AR500 targets in stock as well if you are really wanting to go thicker for closer ranges.
Thanks!
jcsteeltargets.com
We do have a select few 3/4” AR500 targets in stock as well if you are really wanting to go thicker for closer ranges.
Thanks!
jcsteeltargets.com
Mine is a 2/3 silhouette 3/8” thick
I’ve shot mine with 338 Lapua with no issues.
As mentioned above the biggest thing will be how you mount it. Mine angle down slightly so the bullet deflects to the ground vs shrapnel getting sent everywhere. Also hangs on chains from a steel sawhorse designed stand I made
The ability to swing when hit I’m sure helps a lot with the wear on it. I’ve shot this target inside 50 yards with 556 55 gr FMJ without issue
I’ve shot mine with 338 Lapua with no issues.
As mentioned above the biggest thing will be how you mount it. Mine angle down slightly so the bullet deflects to the ground vs shrapnel getting sent everywhere. Also hangs on chains from a steel sawhorse designed stand I made
The ability to swing when hit I’m sure helps a lot with the wear on it. I’ve shot this target inside 50 yards with 556 55 gr FMJ without issue
I've had no problem with 3/8" with chain so it can swing.
Regardless of how thick the steel is your best option is to find a way to mount the target so it sits at an angle so it deflects part of the energy down into the ground verses the plate absorbing all of the bullet impact. The German's figured this out in the early 1940's with sloped armor on the Panther and Tiger II tanks.
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3/8 and 1/2 will be fine with 338 lm past 200 yards
All my steel is 1/2" and I haven't had any problems. I have them hanging from conveyor belt material and also have springs between the steel and the belt/strap. That way they all angle down. I think with that spring and the belt, they move enough on impact that my plates all still look new.
Plate needs to be thick enough to not deform, significantly thicker than needed means heavier. Heavier plate can lead to excessive energy absorbed before plate can move, which can lead to damage.
3/8”, AR-500 is hard to beat for general purpose and is more than enough for a 338 LM @ 650 yds provided target can swing / move to spread out impact energy over time.
3/8”, AR-500 is hard to beat for general purpose and is more than enough for a 338 LM @ 650 yds provided target can swing / move to spread out impact energy over time.
2600 FPS is the magic number for steel at distance. You can increase the life of the steel or increase the FPS requirement 
with having live steel, I.E. HANGING it from fire hose or chains.
3/8” again for the weight reduction. Some of the places we shoot the targets have to be carried in by backpack.
