I think we need some "defining" definitions.

[std7mag]

So I keep reading people asking for recommendations for rifle/scope/ammo to "shoot steel at 1,000 yards".

My question is exactly what defines "shooting steel"?

Ok, I know that the target is MADE of steel.

But are we talking square or rectangular plate?
Circular plate?
What size?

24"X24"?
30"X36"?

If circular, is it equivalent to 1MOA?
.5 MOA?

I have access to circular steel plate. Ranging from 2" diameter to 11" diameter.

While I believe some here could hit the 2" diameter, I don't think most of us would regularly use it for their 1,000 yard target.

 

[JEFFPPC]

Ken, your title is a mouthful. It could be applied to much on this forum. Biggest help would be defining each members #1 discipline. But, you have a great point.

 

[std7mag]

Thanks, Jeff!

I kinda wanted the open ended meaning to it.

There is a lot more than just the "shooting steel" that could, or should have a defined standard on here.

 

[ebb]

Last place I shot 1000yds was Manatee , the g had a 24 inch circle. To get sighted in on and several 8 inch circular targets when you had your dope.

 

[majohnson]

It depends more on what the range / club dictates. Some While other places use their own steel and place caliber restrictions.

If you run your own, it about what you want to shoot at.

 

[K22]

At the one club where I belong, they have steel targets at 100 yards and 200 yards, 6" and 10"diameter plates respectively.

I don't get it, what is the point of hitting a 6" and / or 10" target off the bench? However, if that "floats your boat" and brings more shooters (voters) into the sport then it's a good thing.

 

[J.d. Popkes]

So I keep reading people asking for recommendations for rifle/scope/ammo to "shoot steel at 1,000 yards".

My question is exactly what defines "shooting steel"?

Ok, I know that the target is MADE of steel.

But are we talking square or rectangular plate?
Circular plate?
What size?

24"X24"?
30"X36"?

If circular, is it equivalent to 1MOA?
.5 MOA?

I have access to circular steel plate. Ranging from 2" diameter to 11" diameter.

While I believe some here could hit the 2" diameter, I don't think most of us would regularly use it for their 1,000 yard target.

I’m not sure I understand your question/point?

Why’s it matter what shape and size the steel is?

Buy whatever size you want and at whatever range you want and if you prefer trapezoid shapes, do that.

Why are so many people self imposing all these restrictions and trying so operate within some standardized confines established by who knows who?

It seems like it’d be the opposite of fun to take a hobby that one enjoys, and the first thing you do is make rules. Some people just can’t have enough rules and regulations.

 

[spudgun]

Well, if you hit steel at 1000 yds you wont have to drive down to see it.

When we qualify someone for long rang we shoot 600 yds and 12X12 steel plated at 350, 400, 450, 500, 550 and 600. They have 12 rounds to hit the 6 targets.

After that they can run the course and shoot the smaller steel down to 2".

 

[muleystalker]

The way I take it when someone says "just shooting Steel", when asking a question on here, it means informal shooting having fun.. Not my Comp rig so not as critical. If it was anything more and they cared they would give more details.

 

[Jarhead6870]

I typically give the answer that a shooting system should be capable of 1 MOA or better regardless of target shape for shooting steel. When I place targets for good shooters, I usually do 1 MOA out to 1200 yards and 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 MOA for targets beyond 1200.

 

[Dgd6mm]

DA, wind, mirage is going to make a difference in what size steel you'll shoot on days that are less perfect than others, no matter if you and your rifle are capable of 1 moa. Oh and the position you're shooting from. If I was capable of hitting. 5 moa steel consistently I'd be out there trying to win Erik's $$$.

 

[snert]

I like the idea of a member "defining discipline" tag. For me, it would be "snert, mildly spasmadic eclectacism". Meaning, I go off in fits and starts at stuff that catchies my attention. Not sure if that is disciline, or the antithesis. But its me!!

 

[Old Navy]

Here is a video of our 1K targets. A good spotter helps on the smaller targets. The wind always blows 90 degrees to the target.

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=282053169349137

 

[Coyotefurharvester]

For me steel means, low interest target.

 

[ebb]

I've never shot at steel that had an aiming point, and impacts don't measure very well. I think paper is always better if you want to learn something.

 

[jxb]

At the one club where I belong, they have steel targets at 100 yards and 200 yards, 6" and 10"diameter plates respectively.

I don't get it, what is the point of hitting a 6" and / or 10" target off the bench? However, if that "floats your boat" and brings more shooters (voters) into the sport then it's a good thing.

A range I shoot sometimes has 50/100 and not only do most shooters miss either of those sizes at either distance, many times they only have a red dot and don't bring a spotting scope (or likely own one), so they have to wait for cold to even know if they are on paper. Usually they are because their targets are human size so they generally hit it. Sometimes even center mass. Anyhow, I can see how those folks would benefit from a ringer. Even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in a while.

 

[jds holler]

At the one club where I belong, they have steel targets at 100 yards and 200 yards, 6" and 10"diameter plates respectively.

I don't get it, what is the point of hitting a 6" and / or 10" target off the bench? However, if that "floats your boat" and brings more shooters (voters) into the sport then it's a good thing.

I see where you're coming from, but from what I see, 6" at a hundred and 10" at 200 is beyond the capabilities of probably half the hunters who buy a license. -- and yeah, from the bench.

It would be nice if maybe when those guys miss the 10 inch plate at 200 yds with a rest, they'd get a clue and learn to sight in their rifle and shoot it. jd

 

[nakneker]

I have steel set up on the west side of my place, 400, 600, 700, 800, 900 and a 1000 yards. It’s all 24” tall and 36” wide. When we are shooting it we give it a fresh repaint after every 10-15 shots and then paint a 2” dot in the center. I use that range a lot especially in the summer to help new shooters get a feel for shooting at those ranges. The lucky ones may have deer or elk tag coming in the fall, some just have fun shooting and reloading. The extra width helps them hit the steel at longer ranges and gives them a chance to see just how much wind affects the shot the farther you go. It’s been good, guys and gals who are competent at those ranges can try and hit the dot or see what kind of a group the can shoot. I like the bigger targets, it helps new shooters gain confidence when they hear the report of their bullet smacking steel. The more they do it the better they get, just like anything.

Smaller targets are fun too. Do whatever makes sense for what you’re doing. Not everybody is shooting the same game. In my case I try and help new shooters have fun and learn some basic skills. Many of them take up the hobby for life. Me and my friends have fun too, we end up shooting out to 1500 a lot, that’s as far as I can go where I’m at. When we want to go farther we head out to the badlands which aren’t far either. Same size targets with a small dot.

 

[K22]

I see where you're coming from, but from what I see, 6" at a hundred and 10" at 200 is beyond the capabilities of probably half the hunters who buy a license. -- and yeah, from the bench.

It would be nice if maybe when those guys miss the 10 inch plate at 200 yds with a rest, they'd get a clue and learn to sight in their rifle and shoot it. jd

I spent a lot of time at the range being retired and needing to get out of the house.

I have seen just about everything you can imagine at the range. Most of the average hunters and shooters I have met do not understand or have never learned the basic fundamentals of rifle marksmanship. In addition, they do not know how to sight in their rifle which is kind of amazing given all the information available today on social media. More troubling is a few do not observe basic safety rules.

Also, I see a declining interest in precision shooting. Many of the new shooters I met are only interested in blasting away in sustained fire sequences with AR platform rifles. Shooting steel for these shooters has a huge appeal, the larger the steel, the better they like it. But, as I said, if it brings more people (voters) into the shooting sports, it isn't a bad thing. However, it isn't very pleasant trying to shoot for precision while shooting next to these folks.

 

[K22]

A range I shoot sometimes has 50/100 and not only do most shooters miss either of those sizes at either distance, many times they only have a red dot and don't bring a spotting scope (or likely own one), so they have to wait for cold to even know if they are on paper. Usually they are because their targets are human size so they generally hit it. Sometimes even center mass. Anyhow, I can see how those folks would benefit from a ringer. Even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in a while.

See my response post #19 to post #17.

I would just add, the allure to play Rambo or GI Joe seems strong among a lot of new shooters. Not being of this persuasion, I can only surmise that it's the thrill of sending large volume of rounds down range that is the allure rather than hitting a "ringer" because I am not sure they can even hear a "ringer" given the volume of rounds being sent.

I must confess, in my perfect world, there would be a separate range for steel targets or muzzle brakes.