I want to build a 1000 yard gong.

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Sharky

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Hey guys how big of a piece of metal should a person use for a 1000 yard target. That dosent cost too much if possible. Pictured would be cool too.
 
3 ft by 3 ft 1/2" plate would do it, build a A frame to hang it from like some of the commercial ones out there.
 
If it is not going to be shot at closer ranges, then you can get away with a much thinner piece of steel, since the bullets will be going quite slowly. Possibly even common-as-dirt (and nearly as cheap!) 1/4" mild steel.
 
Depending on the caliber 1/4" may be OK. If your going to shoot magnums at it, the 1/4" will start to warp with enough shots on it, but they probably will not go through.

Dave
 
I was suprised how much the energy drops off the further you go... I would recomend a 10"X10"X1/4"thick plate for 1000 Yards up to 338 Lapua

Here are a few of mine this has had 223 and 308 hits at 400 yards not much damage at all... its 6"x7"x5/8"
DSC_0066.jpg


6"X6"X1" at 200 yards
DSC_0002.jpg
 
I use 1/2" steel and bolt the chains to the plate instead of welding... easier to fix than broken welds.. I use a 10", a 4" x 5", a 6" round plate and a 3" round plate...shooting a 10" plate gets old real quick..the smaller plates offer up a better challenge
 
kungfushurfu said:
I use 1/2" steel and bolt the chains to the plate instead of welding... easier to fix than broken welds.. I use a 10", a 4" x 5", a 6" round plate and a 3" round plate...shooting a 10" plate gets old real quick..the smaller plates offer up a better challenge
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The only issue with welding chains to targets is using hard steel. If using mild steel, welding works fine.


As for what to use for a target, personally I like the sound 1" thick plate makes @ 800 yds then 1/4" does. Besides, heavier plate will last longer then thinner, regardless of caliber.
 
rig_pig69 said:
The only issue with welding chains to targets is using hard steel. If using mild steel, welding works fine.


As for what to use for a target, personally I like the sound 1" thick plate makes @ 800 yds then 1/4" does. Besides, heavier plate will last longer then thinner, regardless of caliber.
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I'm gonna take a wild stab at it and say that since he's a welder, I'm sure he knows that you need to dump the heat into hardened steel before you weld.
 
go to a shingle mill and get a worn out saw from one of there shingle machines they work great and still make lotsa noise even if the projectile goes through
 
knockturnal said:
I'm gonna take a wild stab at it and say that since he's a welder, I'm sure he knows that you need to dump the heat into hardened steel before you weld.
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This is the most common misconception regarding welding Quench and Tempered plate such as AR500 etc

This is actually the worst thing you can do

One of the most common wear plate in Canada is Hardox 400 , 500 etc made by SSAB

Their technical data package shows

For up to 3/8" to 5/8" ROOM temp. For 5/8 to 1 1/4 350degF

I won't bore you with the details but the Hardox ( or any Q&T plate ) gets its hardness and strength from heat treatment. If you " dump a bunch of heat into it" you soften the crap out of Hardox and it becomes not much better than alloys steel

Of course most welders would disagree with this since what the hell do the plate manufacturers know

The key thing to keep in mind when welding Q&T plate such as Hardox is to undermatch strength ( typically 70ksi to 80ksi welding consumables and low hydrogen such as a E7018, MIG etc

In case anyone cares, the MAX interpass for Hardox 500 ( highest temperature plate should reach ajacent to the heat affected zone of weld ) is only 450degF. If you give a guy a preheat torch it is very easy to blow way past this max temp
 
pittboomer said:
go to a shingle mill and get a worn out saw from one of there shingle machines they work great and still make lotsa noise even if the projectile goes through
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X5!!

Really nice ring when hit, and they have plenty of holes from which to suspend them. They are a bit brittle for larger bullets and I have punched chunks out of mine. I painted mine da-glow orange, and suspended them from a wooden cross-bar... they swing nicely to confirm a hit as well.
 
I am wondering why my steel plates dont make a ding noise... are they too small? At 200 yards they make a thud, and at 600+ I can't hear anything I just see them move.
 
More like dropping a stack of steel plates, but it still makes a noise and on a clear, calm day you can hear the hits all the way out to 1k.
 
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