AR500 steel plates and Big bores

[ktk120]

Is 3/8" AR500 steel plates ok for big bore (458, 500J, 375HH) at 100-200yards? Or should I be getting 1/2"?

Distance would not be closer than 100 yards. I have 1/2" for closer targets and the big bore do leave a minor surface mark on them.

 

[Inline6]

Is 3/8" AR500 steel plates ok for big bore (458, 500J, 375HH) at 100-200yards? Or should I be getting 1/2"?

Distance would not be closer than 100 yards. I have 1/2" for closer targets and the big bore do leave a minor surface mark on them.

I would only use 1/2".

 

[Fabnosh]

Could think about using Hardox 500 steel if you want to shoot at closer ranges. It's certainly a more expensive option but you'll only hve to buy them once.

FN

 

[WAB]

I use 1/2” 300 yards and in. I use 3/8” on long range targets.

 

[Aussie_Hunter]

I use 12mm Hardox 450 for all calibres at all ranges, have had the same targets for years and they are still going strong.

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

 

[ktk120]

That guy was shooting 3" thick steel or somethings stupid with an AP round. AR500 steel is made for the applicaiton were talking about with lead core bullets. They just splatter

 

[WAB]

That guy was shooting 3" thick steel or somethings stupid with an AP round. AR500 steel is made for the applicaiton were talking about with lead core bullets. They just splatter

Yep, and you’re supposed to hang them with offset bolts so everything goes to the ground.

 

[Inline6]

With some of the AP rounds, the jacket will strip off the core and ricochet back. Lead core will break apart. Steel should be angled or free hanging so when bullets impact the go to the ground. Fast rounds kill steel. Mild steel is not good to use, it will crater causing an unsafe condition. AR500+ is what should be used, you just need the correct thickness. Just because you can't punch through it doesn't mean you can't deform it.

My 6XC will zip through 3/8" mild steel no problem. 1/4" AR500 plate it will dent not cut.

I would not want to shoot that 1/4" target with my 458Lott, it has a Lott more energy to dump than that 6mm bullet. That's why I suggest the 1/2" plate for the OP.

 

[WAB]

With some of the AP rounds, the jacket will strip off the core and ricochet back. Lead core will break apart. Steel should be angled or free hanging so when bullets impact the go to the ground. Fast rounds kill steel. Mild steel is not good to use, it will crater causing an unsafe condition. AR500+ is what should be used, you just need the correct thickness. Just because you can't punch through it doesn't mean you can't deform it.

My 6XC will zip through 3/8" mild steel no problem. 1/4" AR500 plate it will dent not cut.

I would not want to shoot that 1/4" target with my 458Lott, it has a Lott more energy to dump than that 6mm bullet. That's why I suggest the 1/2" plate for the OP.

View attachment 545493View attachment 545494

Yep, that’s what I was referring to with the offset bolts. Everything needs to go to ground. I use straps from old tires for hanging. Chains can cause trouble if hit.

 

[Inline6]

Yep, that’s what I was referring to with the offset bolts. Everything needs to go to ground. I use straps from old tires for hanging. Chains can cause trouble if hit.

Old belts from round hay balers work well too. If you happen to know any farmers in your area.

 

[Rickmt]

I wood use 1/2” ar 550 .

 

[Wyatt Smith]

My problem was breaking off the mounting ears.

 

[Inline6]

My problem was breaking off the mounting ears.

What type of plate? I have shot prairie dog pop up with 285gr hornady ELDX out of 338LM doing 2915 and they held up to some punishment.

 

[Inline6]

And when I say shot them, I'm talking about in the arms at 200 yards.

 

[Wyatt Smith]

What type of plate? I have shot prairie dog pop up with 285gr hornady ELDX out of 338LM doing 2915 and they held up to some punishment.

It was 8” or 10” round plates of AR500. The mounting holes kind of stuck out on the sides like Mickey Mouse ears. They broke off right there. They took a lot of rounds but the 375 was just too much.
Edit: 100 yards. I can’t remember the thickness.

 

[Hyde Hunter]

I have a 10" 1/2 inch thick ar500 plate and have shot it with my 458 wm with 404 gr Hammer Bullets at 2460pfs and no damage to the plate at 50 yards

 

[cash_tx]

We have a silhouette target made of 1/2" AR500 steel hanging on a T-post at 25 yards from the firing line on my friend's ranch. I shot it once with my 458 Win Mag using handloaded 405gr Hornady soft points. Aside from a slight dent and rapidly lifting the silhouette off the T-post and dropping it to the ground, the target was none the worse for wear. Not sure how it would hold up to repeated shots, but I'm sure my shoulder would give up long before the target would. ;-)

 

[Bonk]

I have some AR500 steel targets we use for rifle and pistol. Two hard fast rules. No shooting steel with centerfire rifles inside 100 yards and always wear eye protection on the pistol range.