Tech data/safety

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For proper setup of your steel targets review the following:

  • Department of Energy USE OF BULLET TRAPS AND STEEL TARGETS PDF.
  • Rifle distance 50 yards minimal, suggested distance is 100 yards.
  • Pistol distance 10 yards minimal, suggested distance is 20 yards.
  • Target needs to be at a minimal 7 deg. downward angle 10 to 20 degrees suggested.
  • Always wear PPE (Personal protection equipment). Shooting safety glasses, hearing protection, etc.
  • Always follow your guns safety guidelines.
  • Do not use ammo with steel in it.
  • For Bullet Energy Calculations check out Ballistics 101 website. Bullet speed must be less than 2850 fps (feet per second).
  • Check your "APP STORE" for trajectory calculators.
  • Target setup, calculate the distance the bullet will travel for its speed to drop below 2850 fps. Try JBM - Calculations.
  • Bullet speeds greater than 2850 fps will result in pitting / damage to your target.
  • Below is a quick reference guide.

Find Out Your AR 500 Target Size Based on Your Round

Disclaimer

The following drop-downs are provided for informational purposes only. The size of gong and distance from target demonstrates an example of auto-populating drop-downs based on selected options. It does not provide any guarantee or warranty regarding its responses. You must follow what your manual or gun safety has said. We are not responsible for any injury, broken targets, or death based upon the responses you get on this page.

Additionally, this code does not address or provide any safety measures or guarantees for any potential injuries that may occur. It is important to note that working with firearms, ammunition, or shooting targets can be inherently dangerous. The use of proper safety precautions, including appropriate personal protective equipment, is essential.

Furthermore, AR500 Custom Targets does not imply any endorsement or guarantee of its performance or effectiveness. AR500 steel may still pose risks, and users should exercise caution and follow safety guidelines when using such materials.

By making decisions based upon distance and thickness of gong or implementing any part of it, you acknowledge and agree that you assume all responsibility and liability for your actions and any potential consequences that may arise from the use of this. You should consult with appropriate professionals and adhere to local laws, regulations, and safety guidelines when working with firearms or shooting targets.

Minimum Gong Size Calculator

Minimum Gong Size Calculator

MINIMUM TARGET THICKNESS ENERGY ft. lbs
1/4" 0-700
3/8" 700-2100
1/2" 2100-4000
5/8" 4000-10000
Too fast (Pitting) BACK UP
Rifle V/E Muzzle V/E 100 yards V/E 200 yards V/E 300 yards
BB/PELLET VARIES VARIES VARIES VARIES
22LR 1085/97 923/70 1826/61 N/A
.223 Rem. (55 VMX) BACK UP BACK UP 2507/767 2181/581
.22-250 Rem. (50 VMX) BACK UP BACK UP BACK UP 12535/713
.243 WSSM (100 PSP) BACK UP BACK UP 2583/1481 2341/1217
270 Win. (130 PP+) BACK UP BACK UP 2628/1993 2388/1646
7mm Wby. Mag. (140 NP) BACK UP BACK UP BACK UP 2636/2159
.30-30 Win. (150 FP) 2390/1902 2018/1356 1684/944 1398/651
.308 Win. (150 PSp) 2820/2648 2488/2061 2179/1581 1893/1193
30-06 Spfd. (150 PSP) BACK UP 2617/2281 2342/1827 2083/1445
.300 WSM (150 BT) BACK UP BACK UP 2755/2520 2545/2155
300 Win. Mag. (150 PSP) BACK UP BACK UP 2636/2314 2342/1827
7.62x39 (123 PSP) 2300/1445 2030/1125 1780/860 1550/655
.338 Win. Mag. (250 NP) 2660/3925 2470/3395 2300/2925 2120/2505
.50 BMG (661 grain) 2750/11102 2601/9934 2458/8870 2319/7897
Pistol V/E Muzzle V/E 50 yards V/E 100 yards
BB/PELLET VARIES VARIES VARIES
22 LR 1085/97 991/81 991/81
380 AUTO 1000/200 913/167 846/143
9MM LUGER 1110/339 1030/292 971/259
38 Special 900/225 856/203 856/203
357 Magnum 1500/624 1301/470 1153/298
40 Smith&Wesson 1175/506 1066/416 937/308
10MM Automatic 1180/556 1077/464 1004/403
44 Remington Magnum 1410/993 1240/768 1111/617
45 Automatic 900/360 856/325 817/296
454 Casull 1900/1923 1678/1500 1478/1163
500 Smith&Wesson 1700/2246 1478/1697 1289/1291
Shotgun V/E Muzzle V/E 50 yards V/E 100 yards
.420 slug 1620/651 1318/338 1025/204
30 Gauge Slug 1600/1865 1160/981 952/660
12 Gauge Slug 1625/2815 1234/1623 1013/1094

Disclaimer

Please note that this information should be used as a reference and does not replace proper research, professional advice, or adherence to safety guidelines. It's important to consult relevant experts, follow local regulations, and exercise caution when using firearms or ammunition.

FAQ

If I use a thicker target, let's say I go from 1/2" to 5/8" thick. Will it last longer?

-No, if the bullet is traveling faster than 2850 FPS it will "pit" the target regardless of thickness.