The Down Range Forum

Member Section => Defense and Tactics => Topic started by: tstand on January 20, 2015, 07:29:25 PM

Title: What calibers are safe to shoot at metal targets
Post by: tstand 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?
Title: Re: What calibers are safe to shoot at metal targets
Post by: kmitch200 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.
Title: Re: What calibers are safe to shoot at metal targets
Post by: tombogan03884 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.
Title: Re: What calibers are safe to shoot at metal targets
Post by: tstand 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?
Title: Re: What calibers are safe to shoot at metal targets
Post by: MikeBjerum 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.

"Eyes and Ears" boys and girls - Eyes and Ears!
Title: Re: What calibers are safe to shoot at metal targets
Post by: JC5123 on February 27, 2015, 05:50:25 PM
Always remember when shooting steel: FRANGIBLE AMMO!!!!!!!
Title: Re: What calibers are safe to shoot at metal targets
Post by: MikeBjerum 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.
Title: Re: What calibers are safe to shoot at metal targets
Post by: Gogle2112 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/
Title: Re: What calibers are safe to shoot at metal targets
Post by: JC5123 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.
Title: Re: What calibers are safe to shoot at metal targets
Post by: tombogan03884 on September 09, 2015, 03:25:34 PM
Because frangible is expensive and hard to find in some calibers.
Title: Re: What calibers are safe to shoot at metal targets
Post by: TAB on September 09, 2015, 03:37:28 PM
sass uses lead.  which in its softer forms tends to splatter rather then come back in one large chunk,

having he targets face a slightly down ward angle can help direct stuff down, but not always,
Title: Re: What calibers are safe to shoot at metal targets
Post by: alfsauve on September 09, 2015, 04:35:36 PM
I remember the video of someone shooting .50BMG, I think, at a 100yd steel plate. About 2 seconds later the bullet impacted him with considerable force.

On my new range, 12yd minimum from steel for everyday practice.  GSSF, ICORE, IDPA, and I thought USPSC had a 10yd minimum.  Could be, probably am wrong.   Still even at 12yds and copper plated lead and downward tilted target you still get splatter and ricochets.
Title: Re: What calibers are safe to shoot at metal targets
Post by: Majer on September 09, 2015, 07:31:24 PM
If the targets are in good condition and properly angled there is very little splash back.It's when the targets get warped or have craters(from shooting the wrong ammo at them) in the face of the target that you get a lot of splash back.Never shoot ammo that is heavier than what the target is rated for,Lighter is ok.
Title: Re: What calibers are safe to shoot at metal targets
Post by: MikeBjerum on September 10, 2015, 10:48:45 PM
I remember the video of someone shooting .50BMG, I think, at a 100yd steel plate. About 2 seconds later the bullet impacted him with considerable force.

On my new range, 12yd minimum from steel for everyday practice.  GSSF, ICORE, IDPA, and I thought USPSC had a 10yd minimum.  Could be, probably am wrong.   Still even at 12yds and copper plated lead and downward tilted target you still get splatter and ricochets.

USPSA actually states it as a minimum of 30 feet for steel targets.
Title: Re: What calibers are safe to shoot at metal targets
Post by: alfsauve on September 11, 2015, 02:09:55 PM
USPSA actually states it as a minimum of 30 feet for steel targets.

What?  Not 9.144meters?

Title: Re: What calibers are safe to shoot at metal targets
Post by: MikeBjerum on September 12, 2015, 08:35:41 AM
What?  Not 9.144meters?

Well, it has been a few years since I was certified as an RO, and I'm not real good about reading the new book.  However, the commands switched from "Shooter ready" to "Are you ready" several years ago, and many ... MANY, RO's and CRO's haven't switched.