1. Minimum Distances: Listed distances are minimums. Increasing the distance ensures greater safety and reduces target wear.
  2. Ammunition Type: Do not use monolithic, Steel core/jacket, Armor-piercing, or similar rounds on steel targets unless explicitly specified, as they can cause excessive wear or damage. For best results, use frangible, lead, copper-plated, or polymer (powder-coated) projectiles.
  3. Ammunition Velocity: Do not exceed 3,000 FPS. Stay back until bullet speed is below 2,850 FPS at the target to prevent pitting. If a bullet leaves a mark, increase your distance.
  4. Maximum Energy Limits: Exceeding specified energy limits may damage targets and create hazards. Limits bellow refer to "At the target or Point of impact" and are specified in ft-lbs (Foot-pound force).
  5. Target Angling: Downward angled targets reduce splashback risks and assists in  deflection of bullet fragmentation towards the ground. Additionally, angling a target reduces the amount of force absorbed into the target, subsequently increasing the life of the target
  6. Abrasion Resistant (AR) Steel:
    AR steel is tested to meet strict Brinell Hardness (HBW) tolerances, ensuring durability and wear resistance.
    • AR450 (450 HBW): Balanced hardness and toughness for impact resistance.
    • AR500 (500 HBW): Higher hardness for superior wear resistance.

       

Material and Thickness Ratings

6mm Premium Mild Steel (Air/Co2 .177, .22 & .22LR Only)

  • Handgun or Rifle:
    • Angled (17° to 20°+) Targets: 25 meters+
    • Vertical (Perpendicular) Targets: 50 meters+
  • Maximum Velocity: 1,200 fps at impact.
  • Minimum Velocity: 800fps at impact. (not applicable to air guns)
  • Notes: Suitable for Air/C02 and .22LR only. Not rated for higher calibres or high/lower-velocity ammunition. Subsonic rounds (less than 1,100fps) may not activate moving target plates. Rounds slower that 500fps might not generate enough energy to fragment properly and could result in ricochet or bounce-back, especially with softer lead Pellets or copper plated rounds. (please see our "Why use Mild steel" page?)

6mm AR450 & 500 (For Air/C02 .177,.22 & Rimfire Ammunition)

  • Rimfire Calibres: .22LR, .22 Magnum, and .17 HMR
    • Handgun:
      • Angled (16° to 20°+) Targets: 10 meters+
      • Vertical (Perpendicular) Targets: 50 meters+
    • Rifle:
      • Angled Targets: 25 meters+
      • Vertical (Perpendicular) Targets: 50 meters+
  • Shotgun Calibres: .410, 12Guage (Birdshot only)  
    • Shotgun:  
      • Angled (16° to 20°+) Targets: 15 meters+
      • Vertical (Perpendicular) Targets: 20 meters+
  • Maximum Energy: 300 ft-lbs.
  • Maximum Velocity: 2,650 fps at impact.
  • Minimum Velocity: 700fps at impact.
  • Notes: Not rated for higher calibres or high/lower-velocity ammunition. Subsonic rounds (less than 1,100fps) may not activate moving target plates. Rounds slower that 500fps might not generate enough energy to fragment properly and could result in ricochet or bounce-back, especially with softer lead Pellets or copper plated rounds. (please see our "Why use Mild steel" page?)

8mm AR500 (Handgun, Light Rifle, Shotgun)

  • Handgun Calibres: .22LR to .45 ACP
    • Angled (16° to 20°+) Targets: 10 meters+
    • Vertical (Perpendicular) Targets: 15 meters+
  • Light Rifles: .223 Remington, 5.56 NATO, .300 Blackout (subsonic/supersonic)
    • Angled (16° to 20°+) Targets: 30 meters+
    • Vertical (Perpendicular) Targets: 50 meters+
  • Shotgun Calibres: .410, 12Guage (Bird Shot & Buck Shot)   
    • Angled (16° to 20°+) Targets: 15 meters+
    • Vertical (Perpendicular) Targets: 20 meters+
  • Maximum Energy: 1,500 ft-lbs.
  • Maximum Velocity: 2,750 fps at impact.
  • Minimum Velocity: 750 fps at impact.
  • Notes: Not rated for higher calibres or high/lower-velocity ammunition. Subsonic rounds (less than 1,100fps) may not activate moving target plates. When using light rifles, check the target for pitting or deformation regularly. Increasing distance may be necessary to maintain safety and prevent damage. Some target system maximum velocity ratings may override these limits.

10mm AR500 (Handgun, Rifle, Shotgun)

  • Handgun Calibres: .22LR to .45 ACP
    • Angled (16° to 20°+) Targets: 10 meters+
    • Vertical (Perpendicular) Targets: 15 meters+
  • Light Rifles: .223 Remington, 5.56 NATO, .300 Blackout (subsonic/supersonic)
    • Angled (16° to 20°+) Targets: 30 meters+
    • Vertical (Perpendicular) Targets: 50 meters+
  • Full-Power Centrefire Rifles: Up to .30-06 Springfield
    • Angled (16° to 20°+) Targets: 100 meters+
    • Vertical (Perpendicular) Targets: 100 meters+
  • Shotgun Calibres: .410, 12Guage (Bird Shot & Buck Shot)   
    • Angled (16° to 20°+) Targets: 15 meters+
    • Vertical (Perpendicular) Targets: 20 meters+
  • Maximum Energy: 2,100 ft-lbs.
  • Maximum Velocity: 2,850 fps at impact.
  • Minimum Velocity: 750 fps at impact.
  • Notes: Not rated for higher calibres or high/lower-velocity ammunition. Subsonic rounds (less than 1,100fps) may not activate moving target plates.

12mm AR500 (Handgun, Magnum Handgun, Rifle, Shotgun)

  • Handgun Calibres: .22LR to .45 ACP
    • Angled (16° to 20°+) Targets: 10 meters+
    • Vertical (Perpendicular) Targets: 15 meters+
  • Magnum Handgun Calibres: up to 500 S&W Magnum
    • Angled (16° to 20°+) Targets: 30 meters+
    • Vertical (Perpendicular) Targets: 40 meters+
  • Light Rifles: .223 Remington, 5.56 NATO, .300 Blackout (subsonic/supersonic)
    • Angled (16° to 20°+) Targets: 30 meters+
    • Vertical (Perpendicular) Targets: 50 meters+
  • Full-Power Centrefire Rifles: Up to .30-06 Springfield
    • Angled (16° to 20°+) Targets: 100 meters+
    • Vertical (Perpendicular) Targets: 100 meters+
  • Shotgun Calibres: .410, 12Guage (Buck Shot & Slug)   
    • Angled (16° to 20°+) Targets: 15 meters+
    • Vertical (Perpendicular) Targets: 20 meters+
  • Maximum Energy: 4,500 ft-lbs.
  • Maximum Velocity: 2,850 fps at impact.
  • Minimum Velocity: 750 fps at impact.
  • Notes: Not rated for higher calibres or high/lower-velocity ammunition. Subsonic rounds (less than 1,100fps) may not activate moving target plates.

16mm AR500 (Magnum Rifle)

  • Magnum Rifles: Up to .300 Win Mag, .338 Lapua, and similar calibres
    • Angled (16° to 20°+) Targets: 150 meters+
    • Vertical (Perpendicular) Targets: 150 meters+
  • Energy: 4,500 ft-lbs+
  • Maximum Velocity: 2,850 fps at impact.
  • Minimum Velocity: 750 fps at impact.
  • Notes: Suitable for situations where monolithic turned solid projectiles (copper/brass) are being used.

 

 

Disclaimer

The information provided in this guide serves as an estimated guideline only. Variations in steel manufacturing processes, material quality, and other factors can significantly impact the performance and durability of steel targets.

We do not provide any warranty or guarantee for the performance, safety, or longevity of steel target plates. It is the responsibility of the user to ensure that the materials and thicknesses selected are appropriate for their specific application, taking into consideration the type of ammunition, shooting distances, and other factors.

Safety Reminder: Always follow proper safety protocols, maintain safe shooting distances, and ensure all participants wear suitable eye and ear protection when using steel targets. Failure to do so can result in serious injury or damage to property.

By using our steel targets, you assume all risks associated with their use.