I have a handful of "AR500" steel targets for shooting in the Pawnee Grasslands. I have never had issues with cratering. I normally shoot 200 yards or more so velocities are low, but also use a 12" gong at 100 for zero checks without issues.

I took a few hunting friends for distance practice this weekend and had cratering on a newly purchased target. It was purchased from a vendor I have used before. Impacts are from a 22" 308 with Factory 150gr Soft Points. Advertised velocity of 2840 in a 24". Steel was hung as a swinger at 100 yards. Damage seems excessive to me, but want a gut check from members before going back to vendor.

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Older target for comparison, 100 yards, set as fixed target, 7MM Rem Mag with 175gr@2900fps, steel is smooth without crater.

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