26' is the USPSA minimum distance to steel targets. Steel Challenge is the same.
Many shooters get "fragged" by bullet fragments that
can easily bounce back to the shooter or spectators "behind" the shooter. This is a good post and reminds or teaches steel shooters the risks and need for proper eye-wear for "everyone" present. I've been hit watching a shooter.
I once shot a paper target (A-Zone
), and one bullet went about another 5-6yds to the corner of the range and hit a piece of steel hidden in some grass. My target had two hits from the front and another jagged hole coming from the backside. True story (except for the A-Zone--I really don't remember).
Wear safety glasses.