Steel target thickness question.

[X-Caveman]

I agree with the warnings from everyone here. Mild steel is a bad idea. Of course, I am biased and have a commercial interest, but why not buy targets from a site sponsor?

May I suggest fieldandcaveoutfitters.com ?

Our prices are hard to beat on 3/8" AR500 and 1/2" AR550 gongs up to 12" dia. Much larger and shipping becomes an issue. That's why we like this site. It caters to the precision bolt gun crowd that enjoys hitting smaller objects at longer ranges.

No matter what you do, be safe.

 

[Auto-X Fil]

Here's a writeup I did on steel targets, and selecting the correct thickness:

http://www.precisiontacticaleq.com/blog/2016/8/30/steel-target-selection-for-long-range-shooting

I checked the link above, and those prices are indeed good!

 

[Sniper338]

An even faster write up and reaponse is buy the thickest you can afford, the end. They last longer and more uses.

 

[Auto-X Fil]

An even faster write up and reaponse is buy the thickest you can afford, the end. They last longer and more uses.

That's great for stationary use, and I do that for permanent installs. But many people shoot on public land and haul their steel targets up steep, loose slopes by foot. Hauling 80lb when you could be hauling 30lb sucks!

Also, thick targets are quiet and don't move much. At long-range, I prefer 1/4" or 3/8" gongs because they are much easier to hear ring than 1/2". And unless you're shooting a .50 BMG, 1/4" is normally fine at long range (600-1000+)