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I am concerned about one issue related to shooting steel and that's the issue of angle of the target. I talked with the owner of one of the better known manufacturers, not MGM or Action, and he said mounting the target on an angle is to extend the life of the target. He also said that for shooter safety, the target should NOT be on an angle so the bullet will disintegrate better. An angled target deflects the bullet/fragments downward, but the surface into which the bullet or fragment hits will determine the likelihood of it/them being deflected elsewhere, including toward the shooter.

Chas.

Thanks guys, you've given me enough information to make testing unnecessary.

Chas.

I have a spalling shield design that will be used at close ranges. In fact, it can be used at contact distances. I just want some data as to how close the target needs to be in order for installing this shield to become necessary. All targets will be AR500 and in the unlikely event they experience any pitting from handgun rounds, they will turned around. 180 degree rotating is recommended anyway when any significant deformation is noted.

Thanks guys, I'll publish the results of our testing.

Chas.

I've been shooting steel targets for decades. We use them in our IDPA matches and we follow the 10 yd. minimum distance guidance most manufacturers provide. Our plate racks at the Club are set at 10 yds. or 15 yds depending upon the depth of the pistol cell. I also practice on steel targets, again following the 10 yd. rule.

Shoot houses typically have AR500 steel bullet traps with a protective barrier to prevent spalling from reaching a shooter. This barrier can be as simple as 3/4" plywood backed with 2" of dense foam to make it safe to shoot at contact distances.

All that said, I have a question. Has anyone done any testing closer than 10 yds. using handguns and AR500 steel without a spalling barrier? I'm going to do that when I have time, but I don't want to duplicate something that may have already been done. My plan is to place a witness wall of Coroplast at progressively closer distances until it starts getting spalling.

My curiosity has been peeked by a few videos I've seen of people shooting unprotected steel at what looks to be about 5 yds. in shoot houses. I've also heard that the minimum distances are often set to extend the useful life of the targets rather than a safety buffer. Again, I know the "official" manufacturer recommendations, the dangers of using mild steel rather than AR500, and common practice. I just want to either confirm or disprove this long-standing custom.

Chas.