Shooting Steel Targets

[Charles L. Cotton]

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.

[oohrah]

I'm in to see the answers. I just shot my first steel challenge this past weekend, and the RO warned us that we might feel some splatter or hear it on the tin roof behind us. Thing is, I never noticed anything at all, but targets were all 10 yds or more.

[Teamless]

I can say that at PSC, when Steel was shot in the back right (where home defense shotguns can be shot on the mesh), before they closed that plate rack, when I was in the next bay over, I would get lead on me from the plate rack shooters.

I am sure I was more than 10 yards from their plate racks, as well as beyond the cinder block wall

[striker55]

I shot IHMSA in the 70s 80's and remember a ricochet hitting one guy in the hand after bouncing off of a steel chicken at 50 meters, 55 yards. Ouch.

[JustSomeOldGuy]

I'm presuming you're referring to using AR500 _targets_ in my ruminations below;
if the steel surface is pristine, and you're using lead bullets, you can probably get away with 5 yards for an extended number of rounds. if the steel surface has ANY irregularities, I'd say no. If you're shooting jacketed rounds, bounce back of jacket fragments can be unpredictable. Over +- two decades of monthly steel challenge competitions, I recall two instances of jacket fragments drawing blood (exposed skin) at 11 yards.

[RossA]

These are the same questions I have. I have always wanted to try shooting steel (even though I don't know where to do it), but I have always figured that something just has to bounce back sooner or later.

[RossA]

- provided target surface is smooth. Any deformation in the target face increases the Spall distribution significantly.

That's an important distinction. If you have hit a steel plate with a few rounds, how can it NOT be deformed somewhat?
All you have to do is hit that deformed spot and who knows what will happen?

[TXBO]

I love shooting steel also so please share your results.

I can't help with your study but if your goal is to be able to shoot steel at closer distances, you might want to look into frangible ammo. It was designed just for this purpose. Clint Smith now requires it's use for his defensive pistol training classes at Thunder Ranch. I have tried it and find that it functions well. It's only drawback is the higher price.

[Teamless]

These are the same questions I have. I have always wanted to try shooting steel (even though I don't know where to do it), but I have always figured that something just has to bounce back sooner or later.

Ross,
as you are in Houston, PSC Range has steel plate racks and there are many members (me included) on this forum.
I suggest you start a thread asking for someone to escort you to PSC so you can see what it is like.

Just a thought

[Charles L. Cotton]

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.

[Scott B.]

Hickock45 did a steel target video recently. Shared his experience, distances, etc.



"Common Sense Gun Safety - Shooting Steel"

[function12]

My daughter and I were at PSC shooting steel and she had some back scatter hit her in the forehead and make a small cut. That was at the 10 yard line. So it can happen. I made it a point to stress eye protection that day.
Thank goodness it did not scare her from shooting.

[wrinkles]

We used to shoot steel at 5 yards way back. We didn't get any splash back unless the plates were pitted. They were the square falling plates.

[flechero]

nothing scientific here but I do shoot mostly steel (all ar500 3/8" and 1/2") on a home range. I routinely shoot down to 5ish yds without an issue. I've got them hanging with a slight downward angle. (the looser the better) I will specify that I have dedicated steel that is only used for handgun and separate steel used for rifles (the rifle has some pits in it) I can count on one hand the number of times I have had jacket or lead splash back and hit me. And that hasn't happened since I switched to plated bullets from FMJ.

I'll also say that all my targets go into the garage at night and get a quick coat of paint after a range session... non look like the hickock video. (none have any rust)