Re: steel target sizes
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: El Kabong</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I don't use my steel targets inside of 300, farther depending on which smoke-pole is poking at them. I have some target grade AR-500 stuff which is better suited for the closer ranges. Also have some 1/2" mild steel that seems to be fine for .308 if it is at least .5 kM (550 yds). I recently picked up some used track pads from a D-8 cat; odd shape, hard, and damned heavy! haven't tried those yet. I'm a little nervous about the curvature of the surface and low velocity bullet strikes when at long range. I try to use paper, clay pigeons, charcoal briquetts or other reactive targets for closer range stuff. I found some polymer self-healing targets, but have not tried them yet. They are meant for pistol use and therefore high velocity rifle rounds may punch through too quickly and not make them swing enough to verify hits. </div></div>
If you are worried about ricochet hang the metal with a slight downward cant (not verticle)10 degrees is lots. Then the bullets and fragments end up within a few yards of the target.
Answering the thread;
The short answer is how big is your farm. Are you shooting offhand or long range. With .22 rimfire or big magnums. The more you have(steel targets) and the more varaiation you have, the more ammo you can shoot without getting bored. If your guests can't shoot very well having small targets at long range is discouraging for them.
I have 4 dueling trees for .22(rimfire),about 100 other .22(rimfire), 10 stationary targets made or Railway tie plates and misc ones of different sizes for other ranges. All of the material came from scrap yards.Most good scrap yards have steel of all kinds of shapes already cut.
Dueling trees are most fun in general although I dont't have any of those for CF rifle.
If you have a farm to set up your(own) range you have the best learning situation possible. Unlimited shooting, relatively few safety considerations(compared to a public range), no waiting, etc, etc. Buy a Dillon reloader and get good!!