[Vikingdad]

The boys and I built a new steel target today out of some scrap we had around. The target is 1/2 inch plate that is 5"X6". We built it to fold flat for storage and transporting. The paint is drying in the shed when the pics were taken. It will probably take some refining but I think it will work out fine.

Does anyone have any advice as to what calibers we should limit ourselves to with 1/2 inch thick steel plate?

[jordan89]

I would think any pistol caliber would be fine. And rifle probably up to .308 at 50 yards would be ok. Just guessing though. Just make sure you replace it when it gets dinged up to help prevent ricochet.

[Vikingdad]

I was thinking out 100 yards or farther for rifle rounds. Some time ago I used a 'dozer blade as a backstop for .22 long rifle and got some ricochets whizzing over my head. That put a stop to that pretty quick. I am thinking minimum 20 yards for pistols.

[jordan89]

Originally Posted by Vikingdad

I was thinking out 100 yards or farther for rifle rounds. Some time ago I used a 'dozer blade as a backstop for .22 long rifle and got some ricochets whizzing over my head. That put a stop to that pretty quick. I am thinking minimum 20 yards for pistols.

Always better to be safe than sorry. Cane had a nice thread in the subject(although probably more geared to pistol shooting ).

http://www.firearmstalk.com/forums/f55/steel-targets-how-close-can-i-safely-shoot-them-32635/

Some pretty cool info. I for one never knew condition of the steel mattered.

[jordan89]

Also, nice job on the target!

[gwk4667]

I like it - - - make sure you have side berms as well as a backstop when shooting at steel as you never know where the projectile will stop!

Shoot safe!

[Vikingdad]

Originally Posted by jordan89

Also, nice job on the target!

Thanks.

Just read Cane's thread on shooting steel. Interesting. Makes one think.

My target is mounted on chains and the way I have it mounted it deflects the bullet downward slightly because we welded the chain to the backside of the target plate.

[jordan89]

Originally Posted by Vikingdad

Thanks.

Just read Cane's thread on shooting steel. Interesting. Makes one think.

My target is mounted on chains and the way I have it mounted it deflects the bullet downward slightly because we welded the chain to the backside of the target plate.

Having it mounted like you say should help. Make sure you let us know how it works out after you get to put a few rounds on it.

[Vikingdad]

Originally Posted by jordan89

Having it mounted like you say should help. Make sure you let us know how it works out after you get to put a few rounds on it.

I'll try it out tomorrow and report.