AR500 steel is a popular material for shooting targets due to its exceptional hardness and durability. The caliber it is rated for directly depends on the thickness of the steel. Understanding these ratings is crucial for both safety and the longevity of your targets.
AR500 Caliber Ratings by Thickness
AR500 steel targets are designed to withstand repeated impacts from various firearms. However, their resistance to different calibers varies significantly with their thickness. Here's a breakdown of the typical ratings:
| AR500 Thickness | Recommended Caliber Rating | Specifics |
|---|---|---|
| 1/4-inch | Rimfire and Pistol Calibers | Ideal for rimfire cartridges and pistol calibers up to .45 ACP. Not suitable for rifle rounds. |
| 3/8-inch | All Pistol Cartridges and Light to Medium Rifle Calibers | Can withstand all pistol cartridges and rifle calibers up to .308, provided the bullet's impact velocity is below 3,000 feet per second (fps). |
Understanding Velocity and Impact
It's important to note that for rifle calibers, not only the bullet's diameter but also its velocity at impact plays a significant role in determining whether an AR500 target can safely withstand the shot. High-velocity rifle rounds can cause excessive wear, deformation, or even penetrate targets not rated for their energy.
For example:
- A 3/8-inch AR500 target can handle a .308 rifle round, but only if the bullet strikes the target at less than 3,000 fps. This means that if shooting from a very close distance, even a .308 could be too powerful depending on the specific ammunition's muzzle velocity. Conversely, at longer distances, the bullet will have decelerated, making the target safe to shoot.
Factors Affecting Target Longevity
Beyond caliber and thickness, several other factors influence how long your AR500 targets will last:
- Distance: Shooting from appropriate distances is critical. Closer distances mean higher bullet velocity and energy upon impact, leading to faster wear.
- Bullet Type:
- Soft-nosed, lead, or copper-jacketed bullets are generally recommended as they deform upon impact, dispersing energy over a larger area.
- Steel core, armor-piercing (AP), or monolithic solid bullets should never be used on AR500 targets, as they can damage the target or create dangerous splatter.
- Angle of Impact: Targets should ideally be angled slightly downward (e.g., 20 degrees) to deflect bullet fragments safely towards the ground and reduce direct impact stress.
- Target Condition: Regularly inspect targets for signs of excessive wear, pitting, or deformation. A compromised target may no longer be safe to use.
By understanding the caliber ratings and adhering to best practices, you can ensure both the safety of shooters and the maximum lifespan of your AR500 steel targets.
