Author Topic: What calibers are safe to shoot at metal targets  (Read 11108 times)

tstand

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What calibers are safe to shoot at metal targets
« on: January 20, 2015, 07:29:25 PM »
For Christmas I received a set of spinning metal targets rated for 22 lr. I was wondering if it is safe to shoot the targets with higher caliber bullets, like a 9 mm?

If not, would it be safe to shoot targets rated for 9mm with a 22 lr pistol or rifle?

kmitch200

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Re: What calibers are safe to shoot at metal targets
« Reply #1 on: January 20, 2015, 11:54:26 PM »
Usually targets rated for 22 get their ass kicked by anything stronger.
If you shoot at targets rated for more powerful rounds with a 22, you won't get the same effect.
(obviously)
It probably wouldn't spin but trying to make it spin with the properly timed impacts could be fun. Should be safe enough if you keep your proper distance.
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tombogan03884

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Re: What calibers are safe to shoot at metal targets
« Reply #2 on: January 21, 2015, 06:36:21 AM »
Heavier than rated calibers will either punch holes in the target or bend the crap out of them.
Lighter than rated, like Mitch posted, won't get enough swing to work the self setting ones although you WILL still get the "ting" sound from hits.

tstand

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Re: What calibers are safe to shoot at metal targets
« Reply #3 on: January 21, 2015, 09:07:44 PM »
Heavier than rated calibers will either punch holes in the target or bend the crap out of them.
Lighter than rated, like Mitch posted, won't get enough swing to work the self setting ones although you WILL still get the "ting" sound from hits.

Is there a danger of ricochet back towards the shooting area with a round that is lighter than rated for the target?

MikeBjerum

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Re: What calibers are safe to shoot at metal targets
« Reply #4 on: January 21, 2015, 11:32:43 PM »
Steel targets ALL create ricochet of any and ALL calibers. 

Go to a USPSA event and ask if anyone has been hit by bullet splatter, and I guarantee that not only will you hear a near 50% yes, but someone will pull out a little plastic bag with the metal they pulled out of their skin.  For those who don't know, USPSA requires that all steel be shot no closer than 30". 

Rio Salado has covered areas with picnic tables behind the shooting area.  The idea was to be able to sit in the shade.  However, many members park their vehicles under these because of the flying lead and copper.  You can stand under the steel roofs and there is a steady clatter of metal falling.

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Re: What calibers are safe to shoot at metal targets
« Reply #5 on: Today at 12:55:47 PM »

JC5123

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Re: What calibers are safe to shoot at metal targets
« Reply #5 on: February 27, 2015, 05:50:25 PM »
Always remember when shooting steel: FRANGIBLE AMMO!!!!!!!
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that I will not fail this sacred trust.

MikeBjerum

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Re: What calibers are safe to shoot at metal targets
« Reply #6 on: February 28, 2015, 05:09:01 PM »
Always remember when shooting steel: FRANGIBLE AMMO!!!!!!!

Why?  That is not what is done in SASS, USPSA, or any other competition that I know of.
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Gogle2112

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Re: What calibers are safe to shoot at metal targets
« Reply #7 on: March 03, 2015, 10:11:28 AM »
Here is a great resource about shooting steel targets.  I own several of Action Target's steel targets and shoot them with everything from .22LR to .300 Win Mag.

http://www.actiontarget.com/shooting-steel-targets-part-i/

JC5123

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Re: What calibers are safe to shoot at metal targets
« Reply #8 on: September 09, 2015, 03:19:56 PM »
Why?  That is not what is done in SASS, USPSA, or any other competition that I know of.

That surprises me, since frangible is (relatively) safe on steel.
I am a member of my nation's chosen soldiery.
God grant that I may not be found wanting,
that I will not fail this sacred trust.

tombogan03884

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Re: What calibers are safe to shoot at metal targets
« Reply #9 on: September 09, 2015, 03:25:34 PM »
Because frangible is expensive and hard to find in some calibers.

 

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