AR5oo steel targets

[JackAubrey]

Hello the forum! I have a small back yard shooting range, only about 50 yards long. It has a berm but I want to add some AR500 steel plate. I want to angle it ( like this side view: \ )this would direct the bullet into a sand berm where it could be recovered.

I shoot a brown bess, 1861 Springfield, 1853 Enfield, Lyman GPR. There will be no smokeless powder or modern bullets fired. How thick should I get the steel plates? I have q 1/8 inch stainless steel plate, and a .58 mine blew right through it.

Thanks for your opinions in advance, and may each of you have a safe and prosperous New Year! JA

 

[coloradoclyde]

If all you're shooting is muzzleloaders...3/8 mild steel will serve your needs....cheaper and easier to get than stainless or plate.
Also you might want to check out this topic. http://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/fusionbb/showtopic.php?tid/298116/

 

[Rifleman1776]

I used to manufacture and sell steel silhouette targets using T1A steel. T1A is a high impact resistant steel used in the mining industry. Still, a muzzle loader could put a mighty cavity in it with heavy charges. The key is to NOT have the target solidly fixed. Hanging from a chain is, IMHO, the best method. Weld the chain a couple inches down from the top on the back side. This will allow the target to move on impact and direct the projectile downward into your sand pile. If you weld on top you first shot will bust that weld, fer sure. DAMHIK :wink: :redface:

 

[USMA65]

My son gave me one of these for Christmas: http://shootingtargets7.com/
Spend some time looking at the website and look at the slowmotion videos they have of what actually happens to a bullet at impact. Yesterday I added the chain as per their instructions. What I plan to do is buy two 64" shepards hooks from Home Depot and attach a 2x4 across the two hooks, with the target suspended below. I will drill two holes in the 2x4 in order to insert the curved end of the hooks; that should stabilze the target. Mine is 1/2"thick, but only a 4" diameter. I plan to order an 8" one to mount side by side. That way I have a little more of a challenge, dependant upon conditions.

 

[USMA65]

I rigged my 4" metal target with the shepard hooks and shot rimfire 100 times. If I use a larger metal target shooting ML'ers, I will have to use the 2x4 brace across the top and suspend the chains and targets.
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Notice my hybrid cocklebur in the pasture. There seems to be a good crop, and anyone who wants some seeds....just let me know :wink: