Steel Tagets?
I'm thinking about purchasing some type of steel target for my pistol shooting. I shoot from .22 to .45 ACP, including .44 magnum and 44 special. I've looked at the pivot, swinging and knock down types the MidwayUSA offers. However, all of the ones that I could afford to purchase (Like say $100 to $200) for the heavy calibers all state that they are for softnose or lead bullets. I reload most of my ammo and I do so with hard lead, plated or FMJ bullets. The sportsmen's club that I belong to has a 6-target knockdown and rope-pull reset steel target. They are really big on safety and I have NOT seen any signs stating that you CANNOT use FMJ bullets. Does anybody have any idea where I can purchase an affordable heavy gage steel target for heavy caliber pistol that I can use FMJ on?
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MGM Targets has a pretty extensive line.
Thesse are what is in use at my local range.
http://www.mgmtargets.com/0 -
Hi,
I am of the opinion that using FMJ on steel targets is dangerous. I have done steel shooting for years and saw numerous incidents where the jacket came flying back into the shooter/spectator areas. Once, my brother had his nose sliced open by a jacket from a bullet as we were leaving the shoot.
I have always used lead bullets with no problems. Using the plated bullets available now seems ok, but I cannot say for sure.
Widner's has steel plating for sale.0 -
Range where I use to shoot wouldn't allow any steel targets to be set up closer then 50 yards from the shooter, because of the danger of ricochets. As far as I can remember there was never a problem at that distance.
If you could have some large targets made that you could use at that distance, it might solve your problem as far as jacketed bullets are concerned. Otherwise just use plated or lead bullets at shorter distances.0 -
There are high impact plastic targets made of "self healing" plastics. Rated for 30 caliber rifles and bigger... may be a safer/better choice when considering that Irish teen, Rick O'Shea .... 0 -
Guys,
Thanks! This has been great feedback. LEad and plated bullets it is!
quote:Originally posted by hermiem
I'm thinking about purchasing some type of steel target for my pistol shooting. I shoot from .22 to .45 ACP, including .44 magnum and 44 special. I've looked at the pivot, swinging and knock down types the MidwayUSA offers. However, all of the ones that I could afford to purchase (Like say $100 to $200) for the heavy calibers all state that they are for softnose or lead bullets. I reload most of my ammo and I do so with hard lead, plated or FMJ bullets. The sportsmen's club that I belong to has a 6-target knockdown and rope-pull reset steel target. They are really big on safety and I have NOT seen any signs stating that you CANNOT use FMJ bullets. Does anybody have any idea where I can purchase an affordable heavy gage steel target for heavy caliber pistol that I can use FMJ on?0 -
We use Grizzly Targets. They are durable ar500 targets. I believe they also have the only galvanized products on the market. http://www.grizzlytargets.com 0 -
Get swingers or angled forward or fall back "pepper poppers' and shoot no closer than 15yds and you can use FMJ bullets [;)] 0 -
I use plain steel plate hung from chains. Cost is nil since most are cutoffs from other projects. Sure, they get damaged. In fact one of my 1/4" swingers is beat into a concave shape on the facing side from 10 years of 38/9mm but jeez-it lasted 10 years. I'm still shooting it-just turned it around. Even rifle swingers will last a long time if set at longer ranges. I have one 3/8" plate on the welding table that looks like a car that's had intense hail damage-there's not a place on it that hasn't been pinged. It's been hit 400-500 times with 223, 308, and 3006(mostly FMJ) at 300 meters.
Plated lead bullets are the safest I've found for shooting steel up close. They flatten and drop instead of bouncing back. I've shot a lot of 9mm Berry's and Rainier at 10 yards w/o ever having one come back at me.0 -
I us a tennis ball for safe shooting with the kids as they take a ton of hits before they don't bounce anymore. 0 -
When it comes to steel targets, you will find, that for safety reasons, and longevity reasons, there IS NO "one size fits all", from 22LR-45 ACP, or 44 Magnum.
I have several steel targets that I use for long range practice, and they are the "POPPER" type, that tip over, then use gravity to stand them back up. They are 1/2"-5/8" AR 500 plate. They will withstand a hit from a 50 BMG from 200 yards out. However, at under 100 yards, they will spit anything from 38special/9mm Luger, down to 22 LR back at you.
So, consideration must be used as in what you are using them for.
My suggestion is talk to some of the big names in steel targets, and ask them about their designs for safety.
Best0
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