What alloy steal do you use for targets?

High Binder

High Binder

Resident Tribologist
Full Member
Minuteman
Jun 18, 2008
493
25
Occupied Colorado
#1
I know a lot of people use AR500 which is great but $pendy. I'm planning on buying a 4x8' sheet to water jet and then weld.

What about 301 or 302 (stainless) <-these take a weld well so that was just a thought...

Any ideas on cheap but somewhat durable alloy but nothing butter-like such as 1080?

Thanks!
 
#3
Re: What alloy steal do you use for targets?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ~Ace~</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Buy the AR 500 and not look back. Been there Done that. Much like cheap Glass... it will Fail </div></div>

I know it's nowhere as good but damn the price is fucked. Maybe I just got a bad quote. The local steal-slinger quoted me about $1100 for a 4X8' 1/2" sheet does that sound right?
 
#6
Re: What alloy steal do you use for targets?

I just took delivery and set up three targets from Big Dog.
Two were 3/8 inch full size silhouettes and one 80% size 1/2 inch with the portable bases and upper brackets that attach the targets to the 4x4's.
Total cost was about $1100. Not cheap but I figure I will never have to do it again.
 
#7
Re: What alloy steal do you use for targets?

I actually just use mild steel and old manhole covers, works great if you don't mind them being beat up.

Although I'd buy my steel rather than steal it.
laugh.gif
 
#9
Re: What alloy steal do you use for targets?

We use any old scrap steel we can get our hands on...when it's shot up full of holes or busted out chunks we get some more any old steel and replace them, or we've drug 'em back to the shop for repair.

Now that I have my portable welder back in usable service there's no more dragging anything back to the shop.

Currently though we have some I cut out of old cutting edges from a large John Deere frontend loader. Ain't a clue what grade steel it is, but it's harder than the hubs of hell. I welded up the square bolt holes, welded some heavy gauge tube on top so they swing on a steel cross bar. They're a little too heavy to swing on long shots with light calibers, and without painting them first it was a little tough to spot hits, so now they're on chain. Free + a little weld time.

We try to keep the thicker steel up close, and the thinner stuff out there, for prolonged durability reasons.....
 
#10
Re: What alloy steal do you use for targets?

Someone else on here was talking about AR550. But when he was questioned about it, there was no response. Im guessing AR550 is stronger that the AR500? Is it thicker?
Any information would be great
smile.gif


<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LoneWolfUSMC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">AR500 or AR550

I tear the hell out of AR500 when we do urban stuff. My target is dimpled now from a 35 yard training session. </div></div>
 
#11
Re: What alloy steal do you use for targets?

In theory the AR550 would be harder. However, if you search suppliers that provide armor plate there is no reference to material above AR500.

Mechanical Properties of AR500:
Tensile: 247 ksi TYPICAL – NOT INTENDED FOR STRUCTURAL USE
Yield: 187 ksi TYPICAL – NOT INTENDED FOR STRUCTURAL USE
Elongation: 11.1% in 8”
Brinell: 450 min / 500 nominal
 
#12
Re: What alloy steal do you use for targets?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jackalope33B</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Someone else on here was talking about AR550. But when he was questioned about it, there was no response. Im guessing AR550 is stronger that the AR500? Is it thicker?</div></div>

I believe it can be found in varying thickness. I have not tried to order AR550 sheet. I only mention it because I was looking at a LE Targets products. They offer their rifle targets in AR550. Since we sometimes run our steel close (not recommended for safety) I would like a little harder plate.

And before someone makes a comment, we use steel targets in some non-traditional ways that are not open air ranges. DO NOT just bang away at plate steel closer than 100 yards unless you are aware of the risks.
 
#13
Re: What alloy steal do you use for targets?

I checked on some steel prices locally and man is it pricey. There is a guy on ebay who sells some relatively inexpensive steel and claims it will hold up to 300 mag if shooting past 300 yrds
 
#14
Re: What alloy steal do you use for targets?



I just checked Widener's Reloading for their AR500 target pricing- good prices, get what you want, already cut, and don't have to buy a whole sheet. They also have 3/8 stuff even cheaper.

1/2 inch AR500 Targets Products


Results 1 - 12 of 14 << 1 2 > >>

Product Name Inventory Status Add to Cart
STPPD12PACK 12 ASSEMBLED STEEL PRARIE DOGS w/AMMO CAN PRE_PAID USPS S/H $276.00 IN STOCK Log In
STPPDWELD Assembled Single Steel Prarie Dog w/ welded Base $23.00 IN STOCK Log In
STPPD Steel Target Plate Praire Dog (Base not included) $16.00 IN STOCK Log In
STPSL 1/2 Steel Target Plate Silhouette $69.50 order 3 and pay only $59.50 each. IN STOCK Log In
STPS5 Steel Target Plate 5x5 Square $18.00 IN STOCK Log In
STPC5 Steel Target Plate 5 inch circle $14.00 IN STOCK Log In
STPS6 Steel Target Plate 6x6 Square $25.00 IN STOCK Log In
STPC6 Steel 1/2 Target Plate 6 inch circle $20.00 IN STOCK Log In
STPS8 Steel Target Plate 8x8 Square $45.00 IN STOCK Log In
STPC8 Steel Target Plate 8 inch circle $35.00 IN STOCK Log In
STPC10 Steel Target Plate 10 inch circle $55.00 IN STOCK Log In
STPC12 Steel Target Plate 12 inch circle $64.00 IN STOCK Log In



Results 1 - 12 of 14 << 1 2 > >>
 
#15
Re: What alloy steal do you use for targets?

AR500 is not cheap but as others have said you get what you pay for. I just ordered a #18SC from lvsteeltargets.com a few minutes ago.

And the hitch saver. Gonna have to shoot it 2 or 3 times and leave it un-painted.
 
#16
Re: What alloy steal do you use for targets?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: chowder</div><div class="ubbcode-body">In theory the AR550 would be harder. However, if you search suppliers that provide armor plate there is no reference to material above AR500.

Mechanical Properties of AR500:
Tensile: 247 ksi TYPICAL – NOT INTENDED FOR STRUCTURAL USE
Yield: 187 ksi TYPICAL – NOT INTENDED FOR STRUCTURAL USE
Elongation: 11.1% in 8”
Brinell: 450 min / 500 nominal




</div></div>

Remember AR 500 or 400 is not armor plate. It's abrasion resistent (AR). It works because of it's hardness but real armor plating is different.
 
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