"Shootin Steel" - Thoughts and Comments on Steel Target Plates

Love my steel plate targets! They are a welcome addition to the DangerCL0SE outdoor range. Instant feedback allows you to correct and make minor adjustments from shot to shot.

Used properly, they are very safe and will last for decades if you take good care of them.

Just a side note... At one point in the video, I talk about calibers. The reason I say to stay away from the "hotter" loads and high-powered rifle rounds is because I'm using a "middle-of-the-road" T1 (A514) steel for these targets. For the type of shooting I do, it was the best balance of cost and benefit. If you want to go higher-end (i.e. more expensive), look for AR500 steel. It will take the bigger stuff as long as you are at the recommended distance. Also, I mention BB's and shotgun. Don't shoot BB's at steel because they are typically plated and could bounce back. Smaller lead shotgun loads (bird shot) should also be ok but definitely stay away from slugs.




Any questions? Leave a comment! :)

Music - Bread by "Unknown Artist"
Source - opsound.org

Category:

Education

Tags:

• steel
• target
• plate
• shooting
• reactive
• marksmanship
• tactical
• drills
• outdoors

[dgarcia9411]

@DangerCLOSE thanks for the video, really appreciate it. Never thought about using a shepherd's hook. How often do you have to replace the SH?

[DangerCL0SE]

@dgarcia9411 Depends on how often you miss your plates and hit the hooks :)

I was actually just out shooting this weekend with my uncle and we were talking about how I'll need to be replacing the hook at my first station (15 yrd) because it has taken a couple .40 cal shots from my Glock over the past year or so and is now leaning quite a bit. I've bent it back to fairly straight but it still sits a lot lower than it first did due to the weight of the plate.

[yz9890]

thanks for the video. are there steel plate guidelines published anywhere? some loads too light for them or too heavy, recommended distances etc?

[DangerCL0SE]

@yz9890 I've seen various specs published in various places. I think the most important rules to observe are shoot from min 15-yrds away for most rounds but high powered rifle. With high powered rifle, make sure you have AR500 steel and you should be a min of 100-yrds away.

[mrsuperterd]

have you shot 12 guage at the T1 plate's? heavy bird shot maybe 00buck?

[DangerCL0SE]

@mrsuperterd I haven't. At least not yet. I have tried standard lead birdshot (I typically shoot #6 or 7 1/2)

[pocyclips]

Wideners(dot) com has 1/2" thick AR 500 steel targets. 5,6 +,8" disk with hole for hanging. Also square torso and chuck profile.

[mrsuperterd]

@DangerCL0SE cool thanks alot. if you end up trying buckshot let me know. I think it would be equal to handgun energy.

[DangerCL0SE]

@mongosafariadventure Thanks! Yeah, the place I got my plates from actually doesn't carry anything but AR500 now. I'm planning on picking up a couple more plates of different sizes and shapes soon and would be getting the harder stuff anyway. I mostly shoot .22 at mine too but would like to go with AR500 just so I have the option of shooting the heavier loads too. One thing is for sure, shooting paper is downright boring now!

[mongosafariadventure]

Nice video.

A few years back I bought three 3/8" AR500 10" round plates That allows me to shoot almost anything at them. Mostly they get 22LR rifle and pistol, 40 S&W/45 ACP pistol and 223 rounds from an AR (100 yards minimum). Just keep repainting.

AR500 costs 3X as much as mild steel but your not restricted to handgun power level and below.