.223 AR15 vs. Hard and Soft Steel Targets

Brief comparison of hard steel vs. soft steel targets, using an AR15 Bushmaster Varminter. Test ammo is .223 55 gr FMJ from Georgia Arms at a distance of 200 yards. After messing around in the woods most of the day, I literally came up with the concept of making this video about an hour prior to sunset. Therefore, the lighting trails off somewhat toward the end....my apologies for the timing.

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• AR15
• AR-15
• AR
• 15
• .223
• Georgia
• Arms
• 55
• gr
• FMJ
• steel
• soft
• hard
• hardness
• Brinell
• shooting
• 200
• yards
• review
• comparison
• ammo
• ammunition

[tnoutdoors9]

FYI....I'm planning to take this same soft steel target, turn it around, and whack it with some 5.56mm NATO green tip at 200 yards or so. I suspect we will see a noticable difference in impact properties. Will try to do this over the 4th of July weekend. 

[udannlin]

heartbreaking miss at 1:55!!! great shooting btw with that varminter. I am jonesing for one of these myself.

[tnoutdoors9]

@udannlin

Yeah, can't blame the miss on the rifle, 100% shooter error.

[spectre143]

exellent video. I've been looking to setup some steel on my property in Montana. You and good ol' Hickok have the best firearms related channels on youtube. No BS, and good info with a laid back style. Keep up the great work!

[tnoutdoors9]

@spectre143

Thanks! Do you live anywhere near Hank Jr? I was of the understanding that he owned miles of land up there, and was a great shooter.

[spectre143]

@tnoutdoors9 NOt sure where he's at, but I'm in SW Montana. If you not using frangible ammo in 5.56, what is the min. distance for steel? I attended a carbine course and when doing transitions from carbine to pistol, we got some big chunks bouncing back. One hit a fellow shooter right above his eye, leaving a nice cut.

[tnoutdoors9]

@spectre143

I don't try anything on these less than 150 yards. My typical distances are 200 to 400 yards.  I'm going to post a "pepper popper" video in the near future.

[deltaomegaable]

the soft steel target looked nasty

[scootkh]

you might want to make them both 'hanging' targets with a damper, so they swing a bit and then return to center....Thanks for the info, appreciated it. Nice to know. Good job dude.

[johnlomax13]

Hate to be "that guy" especially since i like your videos, but this isnt a fair comparison. the AR500 circle is loose and when hit will give and move causing less damage to the plate. the "soft steel" is fixed and must take the full force of the round causing more damage. that being said, the AR500 steel is still the only way to go. and making the targets able to move when hit will extend the targets life.

[crzygutrsnobrdr]

I bet a .270 could poke a hole thru that soft steel. How much did you pay for that bushmaster?? if you don't mind me asking, I just really love them, but don't know whats a fair price to pay for one.

[johnnyfisalive]

what is the steel called thats softer and harder? i just bought me an ar15 and im looking for a reliable metal spinning target any suggestions?

[ChrisreadIRL]

i love your ar15. i want to get one just like it

[LEXPIX]

Nice demo fo the targets. Been thinking of some for myself.

[mycaddigo]

@mingsorock3 it would punch a hole

[KYoutdoors78]

@tnoutdoor9 I would love to see a video of a 5.56 NATO round

[xXsiLeNtXkILLzXx]

i love hearing the ping from the hit and then hearing the shot