For gun enthusiasts everywhere, steel targets have become a prevalent form of target practice, and for good reason.
Steel targets are specifically designed to be used for target practice and engineered to maximize use and minimize risks. Many people who don’t fully understand steel targets often wonder how safe they are for shooting.
You can safely shoot steel targets as close as 15 yards with handguns and 100 yards with rifles, which is a standard operating procedure. However, the weapon’s caliber, the target quality, and other factors, all play roles in the risks involved with shooting steel targets and must be considered.
This article will go more in-depth about all the dos and don’ts of shooting steel targets. We will discuss what type of steel is best for target practice and the appropriate weapon and which ammunition can be used. Every circumstance is different, and we’ve done our best to cover each scenario.
Why You Should Use Steel Targets
When it comes to guns and shooting, with all of the other options out there for target practice, some people wonder why they should even bother with steel targets. There are paper targets, clay pigeons, cardboard cutouts, and so much more, so what’s so unique about steel? The main reason gun enthusiasts love steel targets so much is that they’re very user-friendly. When practicing with a rifle at a long distance, it’s often difficult to determine if you have hit your mark or not. This is never a question with steel targets as you will be greeted with a loud dinging sound. Steel targets are also reusable. With paper and cardboard targets, you’re constantly having to replace them and change them out. On the other hand, steel targets are meant to last much longer and be much more durable than the alternatives.Quality of the Steel Makes a Big Difference
The quality and thickness of the steel target you’re using make a big difference in safety distance. A good steel target is designed to destroy the target upon the first impact, deterring the possibility of a ricochet accident. A well-made steel target should be composed of AR 500 or AR 550 grade steel. Steel targets should always specify the steel type and minimum safe shooting distance for each caliber of weapon. If the instructions say the minimum distance for handguns is 10 yards (9.14 m), then listen to the instructions. If the instructions say 20 yards (18.2 m), then the minimum safe distance is 20 yards (18.2 m). Most shooting accidents occur because of carelessness and not following best safety practices. If you show responsibility and respect around guns, nearly all accidents are avoidable. There may be the occasional errant ricochet to no fault of the shooter, but these incidents are few and far between.General Guidelines and Safety Standards
Here are a few general rules to keep in mind when using steel targets:- The thicker the steel is, the closer you can be to the target
- The softer the bullet is, the closer you can be to the target
- The larger the caliber, the further away you should be