Is this AR500 steel?

[zimagold]

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.




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

[OtterbatHellcat]

Yes, I've trashed AR steel targets at 100 yrds.

[Bailey Guns]

I'd say that could be AR500. What thickness is it? I've done that to AR500 at over 100 yds with FMJ .308 rounds. AR500 isn't face hardened but it is through hardened. The Action Target AR550 steel I have will stand up to anything I own at 100 yds without damage. The AR500, not so much.

[zimagold]

Should have mentioned thickness, 3/8". The identical target beside it suffered no damage from the same rounds, but was purchased a year prior to the damaged one.

[ray1970]

Is it a target like the one in your profile picture?

[zimagold]

Smaller, 10x8 squares, profile is supposedly an AR550 plate, it's had a lot of abuse without issue.

[ColoWyo]

Yes, I've trashed AR steel targets at 100 yrds.

I have as well. I would say that it's fairly normal at 100 yards.

[zimagold]

Ok, thanks for feedback. I'll relegate this target to 200 yards or more.

[Aloha_Shooter]

That looks quite like what happened when we let the Explorers shoot high power at some similar target plates last month. FMJ 7.62x51 NATO rounds punched holes clean through and .45-70 cratered the plates at about 140 yards. I was worried about the high power at such relatively close range but the camp unfortunately just doesn't have anything longer.

[rondog]

I have an eight inch round 3/8" AR500 target, and it's been dented numerous times by lead bullets from .44 mag and .45 Colt rifles. Those things have hurt it more than M2 ball from my Garand, and GP11 from my K31's. Not serious dents, but dents nonetheless.