Range to set AR500 gong?

xopher

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I've learned recently velocity is the main culprit for wear on AR500 gongs. How far are you guys setting your gongs for 223 and 308? I'd prefer not to add craters to my brand new toys on our first outing.

Thanks in advance,

Chris
 
Well I can tell you for certain that standard norc .223 out of an 18" barrel will leave 1/64" craters at 10 yards... scary and not smart to shoot that close though.

For a safe distance for all calibers up to .50BMG, go out to 100 yards. As long as you don't use AP or chemical energy rounds the AR-500 will last indefinitely at that distance.
 
Pretty much all of the major target manufacturers suggest 100yds plus if shooting with a rifle but we routinely shoot our AR500 at 50 yds with no significant effect on the target. If possible, try to angle the plate so that it tilts forward at the top - this not only directs the projectile downwards after impact, but also helps reduce plate wear.
 
ive got this real nice little pistol flip gong stand, was bored of shooting the pistols and didnt even think about it and grabbed up a AR and fired off 3 rounds.
not only did they pit the metal they went through it like a freaking lazer!
so definitely dont do it at 25, haha
i dont think it was AR500 either, but it may be, either way ive not had issues since i moved my big ones out to 100

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I picked up a 1/2" thick ar500 gong on the EE and their recommendations are 100 yd for 5.56

Biggest concern will be the distance you club allows shooting approved metal gongs. Mine is 100 for rifle and 25 for pistol. I won't have an issue I imagine with damage
 
I've shot my 3/8" ar500 plate at 70-105' with 62gr m855 and barrel left a mark. Also shot it with 30carbine 7.62x54r 8mm .308 and .338lapua with no issues.
 
AR400 can handle most rounds hollow point/hunting rounds at 40 yards. if I use xm855 steel penetrator tip rounds I can do a tiny dent.

Mild steel on the other hand, it will destroy at 40 yards.

AR500 should hold up extremely well to even steel tipped ammo at 40 yards, but I haven't managed to test it yet. I'd be more afraid of shrapnel from the round before I was afraid of damaging the plate.
 
Any handgun should be 25-30 feet minimum, with some big magnums more like25-30 yards. Rifles bigger than a rimfire should be 100 yards or more.

I figure, for the sport of it, you should be shooting it at 200 yards plus but that's for the sport not for the possibility of damage. :cheers:
 
This might help, from ww....shootingtargets7.com/:

SHOOTING DISTANCE FOR AR500 STEEL TARGETS:

.22 Rim Fire, 9mm, .38 Spl, .44 Spl, .45acp – 8 yards
.357, .40 SW, .44 mag – 12 yards
Shotgun w/ lead bird shot – 12 yards
Shotgun w/ std velocity 00 buck – 20 yards
Shotgun w/ std velocity slug – 50 yards
.30-30 – 100 yards
.308, .30-06 – 150 yards
.223 – 200 yards
.270 Win – 200 yards
.22-250 – 300 yards
300 Win Mag – 400 yards
45-70 – 100 yards

When using a rifle the added distances are for the protection of the target and also the
safety of the shooter. Impact velocities approaching 3000 fps can cause slight pitting
and edge chipping of the target surface even with high quality AR500 steels.

It is interesting to note that the damage from these higher velocity impacts is primarily a
result of the intense heat created during the bullet strike and not the impact itself.

This intense heat creates a mini HAZ (Heat Affected Zone) that destroys the temper of the steel
and allows the damage to occur in this localized area. Observing the correct mounting
procedures (see tab 1) and observing the shooting distances posted above are two ways to
reduce or eliminate any damage to your targets.

A damaged and pitted target can become unsafe at ranges closer than 50 yards due to
in increased risk of ricochet or splatter concerns due to the uneven surfaces created.

Copper jacketed or plain lead targets are the only ammo types recommended.

Avoid the use of any steel shotgun slugs, pellets, steel core, green tip, xm-855, steel jacket or other armor piercing rounds.
Smart use will ensure you get the maximum life from your targets. With proper use AR500 targets can last
almost indefinitely.

See mounting (see tab 1) to ensure you practice the correct mounting practices
.
 
Well I can tell you for certain that standard norc .223 out of an 18" barrel will leave 1/64" craters at 10 yards... scary and not smart to shoot that close though.

For a safe distance for all calibers up to .50BMG, go out to 100 yards. As long as you don't use AP or chemical energy rounds the AR-500 will last indefinitely at that distance.

I have been wondering if I can shoot .338win mag at 100 yards
 
Bullet construction is important. I have a large amount of +550 Brinell HHA armour plate targets. At 200m steel core x39 does nothing but scratch the paint, lead core .308 smears and adds to the plate, whereas SS109 chips the plate.

So like everything else, YMMV.
 
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