Recommendation for Durable Steel Target/Target Platform for M4 M855 Shooting

[Huitzilopochtli]

Hello Gentlemen,

I would welcome any recommendations for steel targets/target platforms that are durable and hold up well to 100 meter to 600 meter shooting with 16.1" M4s using M855 ammo.

Given most ranges don't welcome this type of ammo, I am looking for something to use on our own.

Cabellas has a "Caldwell Magnum Rifle Gong" that was well reviewed and one review said it held up well with .338 Lapua rounds. I have a call in to the manufacturer to get more info.

Meanwhile, any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[Hoser]

855 ammo at 100 yards is going to tear up most steel. The steel core also is a huge spark hazard.

All I can recommend is MGM ABC Zone steel that hangs at an angle. It is still going to get chewed up but not as much as something that sits square.

Once the steel is pitted, chances of frag coming back at you, even at >100 yards, goes way up.

In other words, get good steel and use different ammo. Even Smoky The Bear will thank you.

[Spdu4ia]

http://www.qualitytargets.com/servle...-Armour/Detail

[275RLTW]

It's not recommended to shoot any steel with M855. As Hoser mentioned, most steel, including AR500, will get pitted when hit with M855 and will greatly increase the risk of injury due to splatter. This is why most ranges don't allow it. Stick to paper targets with M855 or use the color changing ones of you need the instant feedback.

[Fromk]

Please shoot that stuff at paper. I don't want to hear about a public shooting area being closed due to a fire. I'll be the third person to say that ranges don't allow that combination for many very good reasons.

[lostcolorado]

http://shootingtargets7.com

[C Ward]

SS109 / M855 and steel don't play nice together , 223 / 556 is hard on steel already without adding a steel penetrater to the mix . Steel damage is all about velocity and point load , small fast bullets = damaged steel .

Those targets in the link above will fail sooner than other designs because of the square corners where the ears are creating stress points and they will crack off .

Go to the vendor section and get hold of Austin at AA targets , he's local and affordable.

[MarkCO]

Yep, listen to the advice.

Austin at AA just dropped off some targets for us yesterday. Rocky Mountain Targets (local shooter) and MGM are the other targets I use. I am getting started on a steel test...design, methods and steel quality all matter.

[Huitzilopochtli]

Hey Guys,

Thanks for the comments and links to various websites. I came across a couple of very interest posts on the INGO.com (Indiana Gun Owners) website. The author took substantial time to design, measure and record the effects of firing the M855 rounds at steel targets from a variety of distances. See below:

"Effect of M855 Rounds (5.56) on Hardened Steel Targets" - http://ingunowners.com/forums/ammuni...l-targets.html

In the above thread he links to a second post, equally interesting, where he examines the fragmentation patterns of various rounds when striking steel plates from a variety of distances.

"Fragmentation Patterns Off of Steel Targets" - http://ingunowners.com/forums/genera...ml#post3550764

Based upon my own research, and the feedback from you folks, I have decided to move the cash that I intended to spend on steel targets to: 1) a good spotting scope, 2) a bunch of wood posts and plywood and 3) the color change targets.

I have an deep arroyo on our property, "U" shaped, where we will place these targets around the base to setup a number of practical shooting applications. I liked the idea of a hard ping signature and the motion of the steel plate to indicate hits; however, the safety issues and the rapid degrading of not inexpensive target plates sealed the deal for me.

Thank you again for your comments.