Steel for rifle gong

M

MikeJackmin

Joined
May 13, 2007
Messages
328
Question for the steel experts: I'd like to make a simple gong for use as a rifle target, something that can absorb impacts from centerfire rifles without damage, even when using milsurp ammo.

I've seen commercial steel targets that claim to be rated to 30-06 levels, but they usually specify that only soft point ammo be used. The surface of a steel target must remain flat and smooth - even modest cratering is a problem, because it does not take much deformation before ricochets become a concern.

I have heard that military armor plate is sometimes available on small pieces and that it holds up well to this sort of use.

Ideally, I'd like to find a 5 inch square or round plate of the stuff. It needs to be able to soak up lots of random 7.62x54R without missing a beat. What do you folks recommend, and where could I find it?

Thanks!
 
The AR series , such as AR450 is often used .
However you make no mention of range !!
For safety plates for handgun should be not closer than 25 yds, for rifle 100 yds. Plates should be angled down at 45* or at least hung so they can swing when hit.
To have a plate never cratered is a lot to ask for. Move it out FAR !
BTW I saw a video of a guy hit by a ricochet of a 50BMG !! Hit in the head but only a cut ,he learned something about ricochet !
 
I'm limited to 100 yards; this steel is really going to take a pounding. Might just have to consider it a disposable item and replace it periodically.
 
I would think the thickness would matter more than the type of steel. If you get a 1 inch thick piece of steel it should take some pretty good beating for awhile. I would weld a piece of metal to it that goes up to a piece of pipe that it is welded horizontally. Then slide the pipe over a slightly smaller piece of metal so that it swings. You want to make the other parts heavy duty enough it wont deform much when hit. Might even put a piece of angle in front of the pivot so it doesn't get pinched where it won't move. Put the point forward so both angle faces are angled and not flat, like this >
 
Just because I like all the BF guys...see the extract from an AR15.com posting next;

I’ve shoot my AR500 Plates with every caliber I own, Steel core 7.62x54R just takes the paint off.

Cheapest AR500 plates I’ve found are from LEtargets.com I have 6 plates from them and their top quality cheapest shipping I’ve found for any steel and they take the abuse I put them through, lots of .223 at 25 yards, same with 8mm, 7.5x54 and 7.62x54R.

I'm Back..if you aren't using AR500 steel you are probably going to be disappointed sooner rather than later. Not cheap and sometimes tough to find locally, it works. I've heard of folks using steel track pads off heavy equipment and a piece train rail. I will only shoot FLAT steel with a high power rifle at 100 yards or more..clinked plenty of Cowboy Action steel at less ranges with pistol caliber revolver and rifles with LEAD bullets..almost always less than 900 FPS.
 
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