Long distance steel target size?

[fr3db3ar]

Is there a basic standard size (or average) for steel targets at distances? IE: 1 MOA, 1.5 MOA, 2 MOA ?

 

[fdshuster]

I'm thinking if you're using moa as the "standard" then you would want the steel plate, square or round, to be large enough so you can see your "near misses". one of my clubs have steel swingers at 600 yards, that are approx. 24" square, and they work fine. Almost double that for 1000 yards?

I've never had the pleasure of having a driveable shooting distance further than 600 yads, so no experience at 1000 yards. I'm sure others will advise with some "hands on" knowledge.

 

[people]

There is really no set size. Some competitions run one moa steel some run two. Many have a hodgepodge of different sizes.

When starting out bigger is better. You can be off and still on the steel. When it is windy and you miss on a smaller sheet just to a side it can be hard to tell what side you missed on.

There is only one down side of big sheets of steel and that is weight. Smaller chunks are easier to lug around than big sheets.

 

[M14AMU]

Here's mine:


ricktarget01 by Sharps45 2 7/8, on Flickr

The 20" bull is of AR400 steel.

 

[people]

Now you are just showing off!

I still want one so bad! Target envy any one? That is a great setup you have. Everytime I see that pic I just smile.

 

[amlevin]

Here's mine:


ricktarget01 by Sharps45 2 7/8, on Flickr

The 20" bull is of AR400 steel.

With a target that size I think I'd weld it to one of those sign trailers in case I ever had to move it. Probably only practical for an established range, not something to haul out in the desert unless on wheels or if your shooting partner is Lou Ferrigno (aka the Incredible Hulk).

 

[Nomad47]

My steel is VERY portable. I have three that look like the included photo. And since I live in a motorhome and travel around the country, the pipe unscrews and stores in an area smaller than one of those bag chairs.

The steel is AR500 and is 8" diameter plus 'ears'.

 

[Jeffvn]

I can't find a picture of my silouette target.

Its 18 wide 24 tall. When used at distance (beyond 1,800 yards) it is a fairly tough hit even when winds are light. A friend has a mortorized reset steel Larue target that is 11 wide x 17 tall awesome gear but a bear to hit at distances beyond 1,800 yards.

I also have a 2'x3' plate that hangs with chain from a stand like seen above.

Finally I have 1/2 inch AR400 circle targets of 12, 8, 6, and 4 inches that can be used on spring stands and stationary poles. I usually set them up as roughly 1 MOA per distance. Not easy to hit if its windy, but that is what wind practice is all about.

All get torn down and taken away at the end of the day.
Jeffvn

 

[Nomad47]

Agree with Jeffvn about hitting the steel in the wind. My 8" steel would be 1 MOA at 764 yards, so it gets progressively tougher to hit at the longer distances.

 

[fr3db3ar]

Mine is 8" as well. I was just wondering what everybody was shooting at. I see videos all the time of people supposedly shooting 1000 yards. You hear the shot, you hear the ding but don't really know if the target might be 4' sq

Which might be what I need ;D

 

[jhord]

This is my 800 yard target. I think the gong is 10", and there is now a 2' x 3' x 1/4" plain steel plate hanging behind the gong. The steel plate helps get me on the gong in the wind. Everything is painted white, and then you can see the splash. A regular steel plate won't cut it for the spot you're trying to hit consistently, because it gets dinged up pretty good, so an AR500 gong is a must. My 6.5x47 will sometimes punch a hole thru the steel plate, even at 800. Yikes.

 

[M14AMU]

Here's mine:


ricktarget01 by Sharps45 2 7/8, on Flickr

The 20" bull is of AR400 steel.

With a target that size I think I'd weld it to one of those sign trailers in case I ever had to move it. Probably only practical for an established range, not something to haul out in the desert unless on wheels or if your shooting partner is Lou Ferrigno (aka the Incredible Hulk).

This one is totally static; don't have to move it! I move back to whatever distance I want to shoot from....all the way back to 1600 yards if so desired. Originally built this size to train for Creedmoor shooting with my Sharps rifles and when shooting 1000 yards on windy days....the extra width comes in handy when I miss the wind! Aside from the Sharps bullets...it works fantastic for the smokeless rifles as well! It sits atop an 8' mound of dirt and at that height 'ground effect mirage' is done away with!

HOLD HARD & STAY CENTER!

 

[birdog]

4' x 8' steel plate. Takes a tractor to move and set up.

Tom Morley with his 1,000 yd group.

Chuckie-ground hog & Chico-prarie dog
hits were from 1680 yards

View from 1,000 yd

 

[fr3db3ar]

What scope is that? T36?

 

[jcvibby]

We shoot quite a bit of steel around here.

I like to have a 3/4-1MOA target and a 2 MOA target at each distance I am shooting at. I typically get on target with the 2MOA target, and then challenge myself with the 3/4-1MOA target.

Yes, the only way to go is AR500. It is a bit more money up front, but is well worth it. Both for safety sake and target longevity.

Typically anything over about 2-300 yards and 3/8" Premium AR500 is all you need. Closer than that with high speed bullets and 1/2" will be about perfect.