AR500 as backstop

[itchyTF]

Does anyone have any experience with 3/8" thick AR500 as a backstop at a 40 - 45 deg angle facing down using 6mm stuff and less? Just wondering if I can save some $$ instead of using 1/2".

 

[Drop Port]

Does anyone have any experience with 3/8" thick AR500 as a backstop at a 40 - 45 deg angle facing down using 6mm stuff and less? Just wondering if I can save some $$ instead of using 1/2".

Not sure what you mean as a "backstop"? is it for a target direct hits? what distance etc. Or as a bullet trap?

It can take some serious ABUSE at close range.

 

[itchyTF]

Direct hits but at an angle. Might be considered a bullet trap. The rounds would be going into the ground behind and below the target. Distance would be from 100 to 400 yds. Just wondering if I can get by with 3/8" since it would be at an angle.

 

[Falfan2017]

I think it will work for a while but you may end up wearing it out before the 1/2" would wear. Especially if you're doing much at 100

 

[Drop Port]

You will be fine, we hit .200" AR 500 at 100 yards with a 7 Ultra without penetration.
For training I've seen MGM BCC ZONE targets hit closer with 223 than I will say and they have 1000's of rounds on them, the surface looks like a golf ball.

 

[Intell]

I'm planning on making a three sided one, with a slopping back and lifting lugs so it can be set down over a tractor bucket of sand. I'm thinking small tabs on the front to drop a piece of plywood in for target backer. Between the sand and steel, it should keep them in.

 

[johnfred1965]

Just like sloped armor on a tank, you effectively thicken your plate by angling. I don't know the trig off the top of my head(or otherwise for that matter) but I would say you would have the equivilent of 1/2 or better at an angle. Plus, being deflected rather than straight on impact, the energy transferred to the plate will be much less.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

I can tell you from experience shooting br size groups at 100yds a 5/8 ar500 plate at a 45deg angle wont stop a ppc very long. If youre just banging all over it im sure itll be fine but shooting fast groups in a concentrated area it goes right on thru. Dont rely on a plate only if it matters

 

[itchyTF]

Dusty,
That's discouraging. I was under the impression the AR stuff was almost impenetrable.

I was planning on a 36" square piece but I can get a 31" x 39" x 3/8" piece or a 22" x 48" x 1/2" piece at a lower price. I use 8-1/2" x 11" card stock targets so I could get 5 targets horizontally on the 48" piece or 6 targets in a 2x3 grid on the other piece. From what Dusty says looks like the 1/2" might be better.

 

[Nomad47]

If the steel is allowed to swing, the bullet fragments will still go down. After shooting, I see a line in the dirt under the steel.

 

[mikeinct]

Contact the manufacturer ..spec out the job & ammo you intend to use at 100yds..Be as specific as possible..They will tell you which thickness & how to use it effectively...Mike in Ct

 

[M14AMU]

Works great!

308 Win/Remington M700 factory barrel/action by Sharps Man, on Flickr

Oh...that's ten shots from 900 yards....with a lousy .308 Win cartridge!

 

[Nomad47]

You should draw crosshairs on your steel so you can aim at the exact same spot every time.

 

[JRS]

Save yourself some money and use a few thin layers of carbon steel plate. The interfaces between the sheets absorb much of the energy, preventing or reducing penetration. AR plate is simply abrasion resistant.

 

[Area419Craig]

I'd not do it inside 200 or so. That said, a large trap could be placed at a deeper distance than the target. ie: target at 100, backer at 250. Should make everything last a lot longer.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Its like a gutter that pours on a rock for years- it will erode eventually. Those dents just keep getting deeper

 

[powderbrake]

I believe you can use 3/8 AR500 OK at 45 degrees. That is what is used as the face below the targets on the plate racks that my son's company makes.
Keep velocity below 3000 fps to prevent damaging the AR500 plate. Place target so you do not always hit the backstop only in the same place. Do not use any ammo with armor piercing bullets or steel inserts.

https://custommetalprod.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=94

 

[rebel]

Meanwhile, here in the South........

 

[Larry Klutts]

3/8'' at 60 degrees will give you a horizontal thickness of about 3/4''.
Look up "Snail Bullet Trap" and armor plate deflection angles.

 

[Larry Klutts]

Made one using 3/8'' AR 400 at 60 degrees a few years ago, no damage noticeable.
But I don't shoot at 3000 fps at short range, as in 200 yards and under.