Jarhead6870
Gold $$ Contributor
Basically, speed kills. You can do more damage to steel with a .223 than a .308. This said, I minimize the wear and tear on my plates by using them at distances where the impact velocity is less than 2600 fps. This usually means distances greater than 200 yards for most calibers. High energy rounds, magnums for instance, require even longer set-backs and/or heavier steel. I limit the use of my steel to 30 cal and smaller, no magnums, with a maximum speed limit of 3000 fps. I use 3/8" AR 500 steel for 200-750 yards and 1/4" AR 500 for steel at 750-1500 yards. I also reverse my plates each year to avoid cupping.
