steel target distances

[n.c.outlaw2024]

I have always been afraid of shooting steel so never done it. My usual targets have been cardboard, plastic pop bottles, tin/aluminum cans. If I do buy steel targets, how far back should they be placed? Keep in mind I will mainly be using pistol calibers.

 

[DirtySteve]

At the Bianchi Cup the steel plate rake event starts at ten yards. So there is that.

 

[ShtrRdy]

During my action pistol competition days the generally accepted distance from shooter to a steel target is 10 yards minimum. Beware that pieces of a bullet can still hit you. It is extremely important that anyone on the range is wearing safety glasses.

 

[Rick in Oregon]

All good points so far.

If you place the steel at an angle to deflect the bullet down, it really reduces the chances of any splash-back, but we still always wear eye protection just in case.



My other steel; falling plates and a swinger. We use caution here, as splash-back is still a concern:



There's something satisfying about that "bang-CLANG!" shooting steel.

 

[Eagle Six]

The higher quality steel (hardness) the less damage to the plates and with the correct downward angle the less splash back.

What calibers and loads will you be using?

And, Welcome to the forum.

 

[n.c.outlaw2024]

The higher quality steel (hardness) the less damage to the plates and with the correct downward angle the less splash back.

What calibers and loads will you be using?

And, Welcome to the forum.

Thank you. Mainly pistol calibers (.45 LC, .36 ball-Navy, .44 ball-Dragoon & Whitneyville Walker (b.P.), 1917 New Service .45 acp w/ half-moon clips, .22 Rough Rider.

 

[Eagle Six]

Looks pretty much like everything will be non-jacketed lead. These seem to flatten out more with less splatter. I would recommend to consult with your steel target supplier to assure you get the minimum thickness and hardness for those calibers and the distances you will be shooting. I buy only high quality laser cut 3/8" and 1/2" thick Brinell 500 hardness plates. They are heavy and pricey. They damage less, clean easier, and last longer. But, mostly I'm shooting centerfire rifle.

 

[DocUSMCRetired]

On my shooting range, I have measured fragments large enough to break skin at 15 yards back from pistol. This is on SR500 3/4 inch steel plates. I have measured rifle fragments at 50 yards back.

Generally you want to be no closer than 10 yards for standard pistol, 100 yards for smaller rifle calibers, 200 yards for magnums and semi larger stuff, 300 yards minimum (some people use 400) for 338+. I can tell you the 338 did some pretty ugly damage to my 300 yard steel though so it doesn't have a long life. I have punched through them at times.

Just something to think about.

Also the heavier, and thicker the steel. The more energy that gets absorbed so it reduces risk. The super thin stuff you see on Amazon etc, is the worst.

 

[60723]

BE CAREFUL WITH SOFTER STEEL!
My best friend shot a piece of 3/4” steel leaned on a fence post on a bet with another guy. His grandson filmed the 100 yard shot with a 7 mag. You could hear the core come back past them! The jacket was hung in the plate.

 

[C.E.Smith043]

I have always been afraid of shooting steel so never done it. My usual targets have been cardboard, plastic pop bottles, tin/aluminum cans. If I do buy steel targets, how far back should they be placed? Keep in mind I will mainly be using pistol calibers.

Most targets will have a recommendation from the company on distance needed

 

[GotRDid]

AR500 IPSC Steel Targets

www.caldwellshooting.com

 

[Krogen]

I shoot timed plate matches as close as 10 yards. It's common to feel particles come back and ding you. IMNHO, it's imperative that shooters - and spectators - wear safety glasses. They need to be wrap-around glasses with side shields. Ordinary eyeglasses or sunglasses aren't good enough. Particles can hit your eye from the side. Make sure the glasses fit tightly to your face so there's a minimal gap for particles to get through. If my skin gets peppered and I bleed, I'll heal. Getting peppered in the eyeballs can be a life-changing disaster. Yeah, it's a big concern for me.

 

[vonb]

Another note of caution when shooting steel targets, don't ever shoot steel shot from a shotgun at a steel target. It bounces and comes back.

 

[LuvDog]

Usually it's recommended at least 10 yards. I've shot a little closer than that. Always wear eye protection.

When I hang my steel, it always angles down and is also hung from rubber/conveyor belt straps. I never shoot close to steel that is rigid.

If I'm shooting steel that isn't swinging, then that's at least 10 yards away or 100 for rifle.

 

[Tesoro]

I use these with pointed t-posts. Easy to set up and have natural down deflection. Only 'danger' is hitting the soft steel of the post. Good prices on paint your own ones and super fast delivery

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[troupe]

Splatter will happen even with the best steel, period. Over the years in USPSA competitions, I have been struck by flack. Even seen a fellow shooter get a lacerated liver from flack. It will happen sooner or later. Always have quality glasses. Rifles can be so much worse than pistols.

Be safe and enjoy shooting.

 

[n.c.outlaw2024]

Hearing/eye protection always used on personal & private range so no worries there. I'm using revolvers like I mentioned and they are mainly percussion. I appreciate the advice imparted by you guys who have way more experience shooting than I do.