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Me and a bud are going to build a small rifle range. We will have cardboard with paper targets and also some steel. For shooting high-power at the steel, let’s say we put the steel out at 300-yrds – 1st) is that far enough for any ricochet 2nd) how thick of steel 3rd) any suggestions on the diameter 4th) any other comments
Dan
Dan,
Ricochets are inevitable so your steel should have a slight downward angle to it. Also, the best designs have some impact absorption built in such as hanger chains, springs, etc. Regarding the thickness, you will want at least 1/2″ AR500 steel, and even that will still chip at the edges. Softer steel such as the more common A36 will crater with high power rounds although your 300 yard distance will help with that. Those suggestions do not include large caliber rounds such as the .50 BMG and others. My .50 BMG will punch holes in 1/2″ mild steel plate.
The above is just what I use out here in the desert but there should be a plethora of range plans and suggestions online.
Best Regards,
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
The range where I shoot has steel starting from 200 yds. We shoot up hill so ricochets should go back and up. Look up angle of deflection. In the 30+ years I have shot here I’ve never heard of a ricochet coming back to the bench area. 30 WCF can punch holes in mild steel. Use the target steel Jeff posted. Those that have a 50 cal can shoot at our range.
thanks guys. Ya, none of us have a .50. I think we would plan to hang them from chain.
Dan
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If it helps with peace of mind, if you follow JWA’s advice on AR500 and the setup, you’ll be more than fine. For tactical shooting at work, we routinely shoot AR-15s and 9mm Glocks at steel as close as 15 yards without fear of shrapnel (an occasional touch by a small piece maybe, usually no blood haha)…just make sure no one is to the sides and they stay far enough back of course.
November 7, 2015
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I got smacked in the neck by a nearly spent ricochet years ago shooting falling plates in a side match at a big PPC match. Didn’t bleed much but I missed the next two plates. I was a pretty fair plate shooter in those days but must admit that didn’t help my concentration, lol. Plate racks are built better now but from then on I always held a little high. I think a gong aways out is a lot of fun.
Mike
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