3/8" vs 1/2" AR500 gongs

Tipsy Mcstagger · March 20, 2014, 05:45 AM

Hey guys, I plan on purchasing some gongs soon and would like some opinions on thickness/durability. I plan on shooting said gongs with 223 and 357 say from 50 yards, but more commonly will be shooting at them from 100 yards and beyond with rifle with everything up to 35 whelen. Should I go with 3/8 or 1/2" AR500? Has anyone shot either size at 50 yards with 223 fmj and does it hold up well? Obviously, I want the cheaper option so i can get more targets but I'd much rather pay more if 3/8 won't handle my needs. Thanks.

rugerdawg · March 20, 2014, 07:19 AM

I believe GEARHOG has some 12" x 1/2" thick gongs on sale at 50% off right now.

Steve in PA · March 20, 2014, 04:35 PM

Get the 1/2" AR 500 plates. I bought two last year from Widener's and have shot them as close as 25 yards with 55gr .223 ammo. I plan on picking up a few more this year.

Tipsy Mcstagger · March 20, 2014, 05:46 PM

Thanks guys. Any real dimpling at that range?

oryx · March 24, 2014, 08:44 PM

I would go 1/2"
A 223 at 50 yds is easy to repeatedly hit the same spot and fatigue the plate faster. You never know what you will want to shoot at it down the road a well.

Magnum Wheel Man · March 27, 2014, 09:31 AM

& be sure of the alloy... AR 500 is what you want... anything less will pit & start slinging recoil in odd directions...

Tipsy Mcstagger · March 27, 2014, 07:28 PM

Yessir, I learned that the hard way. I shot 223 at 1/2 mild steel and later on shot it with 38 super and the jacket sheared and came back and broke my finger and landed in my chest, but didn't penetrate much. I was younger then and won't be doing that again!

Vt.birdhunter · March 30, 2014, 08:40 AM

jcvibby does group buys with members here on AR 500 plates; maybe PM him about his next order.

Ive bought from him twice now, great prices.

March 20, 2014, 05:45 AM	#1
Tipsy Mcstagger Senior Member Join Date: December 28, 2013 Location: South Texas Posts: 190	3/8" vs 1/2" AR500 gongs Hey guys, I plan on purchasing some gongs soon and would like some opinions on thickness/durability. I plan on shooting said gongs with 223 and 357 say from 50 yards, but more commonly will be shooting at them from 100 yards and beyond with rifle with everything up to 35 whelen. Should I go with 3/8 or 1/2" AR500? Has anyone shot either size at 50 yards with 223 fmj and does it hold up well? Obviously, I want the cheaper option so i can get more targets but I'd much rather pay more if 3/8 won't handle my needs. Thanks.

March 20, 2014, 04:35 PM	#3
Steve in PA Senior Member Join Date: October 14, 1999 Location: Northeastern PA Posts: 756	Get the 1/2" AR 500 plates. I bought two last year from Widener's and have shot them as close as 25 yards with 55gr .223 ammo. I plan on picking up a few more this year. __________________ Steve

March 27, 2014, 09:31 AM	#6
Magnum Wheel Man Senior Member Join Date: July 26, 2006 Location: Southern Minnesota Posts: 9,333	& be sure of the alloy... AR 500 is what you want... anything less will pit & start slinging recoil in odd directions... __________________ In life you either make dust or eat dust...

March 30, 2014, 08:40 AM	#8
Vt.birdhunter Senior Member Join Date: March 18, 2009 Posts: 637	jcvibby does group buys with members here on AR 500 plates; maybe PM him about his next order. Ive bought from him twice now, great prices. __________________ Maintaining a constant state of cat-like readiness and a heightened state of suspicious alertness.

March 20, 2014, 07:19 AM	#2
rugerdawg Member Join Date: February 18, 2009 Posts: 68	I believe GEARHOG has some 12" x 1/2" thick gongs on sale at 50% off right now.

March 20, 2014, 05:46 PM	#4
Tipsy Mcstagger Senior Member Join Date: December 28, 2013 Location: South Texas Posts: 190	Thanks guys. Any real dimpling at that range?

March 24, 2014, 08:44 PM	#5
oryx Senior Member Join Date: December 26, 2008 Posts: 142	I would go 1/2" A 223 at 50 yds is easy to repeatedly hit the same spot and fatigue the plate faster. You never know what you will want to shoot at it down the road a well.

March 27, 2014, 07:28 PM	#7
Tipsy Mcstagger Senior Member Join Date: December 28, 2013 Location: South Texas Posts: 190	Yessir, I learned that the hard way. I shot 223 at 1/2 mild steel and later on shot it with 38 super and the jacket sheared and came back and broke my finger and landed in my chest, but didn't penetrate much. I was younger then and won't be doing that again!