Question about steel gong targets

rcase1234 · January 6, 2014, 12:40 AM

If I buy one do I have to use frangible ammo when shooting at it? Or can I just use a normal soft point without worrying about a ricochet?

Brotherbadger · January 6, 2014, 02:00 AM

What are you shooting at it? If using a .223 don't go with any steel lower than ar500. You can use softer steel for non magnum handguns, but for higher velocity rounds go with the tougher steel. The reason being that ar500 won't crater(at the proper distance & velocity). Craters = ricochet at unexpected angles. That's bad news and can seriously hurt you. It also helps to have the target pointed at a slightly downward angle.

You can use soft points, as long as you are shooting at a safe distance.

NoSecondBest · January 6, 2014, 09:49 AM

Use the search function for this question. There are a LOT of posts and answers on this question and you can get the info you need without everyone who responded the first, second, third, and forth time having to do it again. AR500 should be used and you can dimple mild steel to the point it's unsafe with a 22lr. I have seen some serious injuries resulting from ricochets and back splash.

Rifleman1776 · January 6, 2014, 09:59 AM

What ASB said. Lots of info previously posted.
Safety rules. Ask the scar on my elbow why.

rcase1234 · January 6, 2014, 11:09 AM

I was gonna shoot at it at 100 yards with a 7.62x39mm (my AK)

NoSecondBest · January 6, 2014, 12:40 PM

Still there to be found in the Search function. Have you looked yet?

Slamfire · January 6, 2014, 12:44 PM

Don't use FMJ or armor piercing. For an AK, even with soft points, I recommend moving it further than 100 yards.

jmhyer · January 7, 2014, 05:02 PM

Should be fine at 100 yards and AR500 steel.

Brotherbadger · January 9, 2014, 01:50 AM

Quote:

I was gonna shoot at it at 100 yards with a 7.62x39mm (my AK)

you'll be fine with ar500. Just set up at over 100 yards to be safe.

Willie Lowman · January 9, 2014, 12:18 PM

I have 4 plate "gong" targets. They are all AR500 steel.

While the general consensus is "don't ever do this, it's not safe!" I shoot at my 25 yard plates with JSP .223 ammo. The 25 yard plates appear no worse for the wear. I will say the fragments from JSP .223 are devastating to my wooden plate rack. My point is, it is doable, but extra caution must be exercised. (not legal advice, don't try this at home)

My 100 yard plate looks the worst from repeated 7.62x54r hits.

January 6, 2014, 12:40 AM	#1
rcase1234 Senior Member Join Date: September 6, 2012 Location: Michigan Posts: 407	Question about steel gong targets If I buy one do I have to use frangible ammo when shooting at it? Or can I just use a normal soft point without worrying about a ricochet?

January 6, 2014, 02:00 AM	#2
Brotherbadger Senior Member Join Date: November 10, 2010 Posts: 1,149	What are you shooting at it? If using a .223 don't go with any steel lower than ar500. You can use softer steel for non magnum handguns, but for higher velocity rounds go with the tougher steel. The reason being that ar500 won't crater(at the proper distance & velocity). Craters = ricochet at unexpected angles. That's bad news and can seriously hurt you. It also helps to have the target pointed at a slightly downward angle. You can use soft points, as long as you are shooting at a safe distance. __________________ Once Fired Brass, Top quality, Fast shipping, Best prices. http://300AacBrass.com/ -10% Coupon use code " badger "

January 6, 2014, 12:44 PM	#7
Slamfire Senior Member Join Date: May 27, 2007 Posts: 5,261	Don't use FMJ or armor piercing. For an AK, even with soft points, I recommend moving it further than 100 yards. __________________ If I'm not shooting, I'm reloading.

January 9, 2014, 12:18 PM	#10
Willie Lowman Senior Member Join Date: March 5, 2009 Location: Uh-Hi-O Posts: 3,006	I have 4 plate "gong" targets. They are all AR500 steel. While the general consensus is "don't ever do this, it's not safe!" I shoot at my 25 yard plates with JSP .223 ammo. The 25 yard plates appear no worse for the wear. I will say the fragments from JSP .223 are devastating to my wooden plate rack. My point is, it is doable, but extra caution must be exercised. (not legal advice, don't try this at home) My 100 yard plate looks the worst from repeated 7.62x54r hits. __________________ "9mm has a very long history of being a pointy little bullet moving quickly" --Sevens

January 6, 2014, 09:49 AM	#3
NoSecondBest Senior Member Join Date: December 7, 2009 Location: Western New York Posts: 2,736	Use the search function for this question. There are a LOT of posts and answers on this question and you can get the info you need without everyone who responded the first, second, third, and forth time having to do it again. AR500 should be used and you can dimple mild steel to the point it's unsafe with a 22lr. I have seen some serious injuries resulting from ricochets and back splash.

January 6, 2014, 09:59 AM	#4
Rifleman1776 Senior Member Join Date: April 25, 2010 Location: Arkansas Posts: 3,309	What ASB said. Lots of info previously posted. Safety rules. Ask the scar on my elbow why.

January 6, 2014, 11:09 AM	#5
rcase1234 Senior Member Join Date: September 6, 2012 Location: Michigan Posts: 407	I was gonna shoot at it at 100 yards with a 7.62x39mm (my AK)

January 6, 2014, 12:40 PM	#6
NoSecondBest Senior Member Join Date: December 7, 2009 Location: Western New York Posts: 2,736	Still there to be found in the Search function. Have you looked yet?

January 7, 2014, 05:02 PM	#8
jmhyer Senior Member Join Date: June 19, 2012 Location: MS - USA Posts: 899	Should be fine at 100 yards and AR500 steel.