Building some targets, anyone use Hardox plate

[BrettSass844]

I have access to some 5/16" Hardox 500 and 600 plate left over from a few big jobs at work. Has anyone used this plate to make targets before? I have talked to a few of the shop guys and they assured me if 3/8" AR500 plate is being used with good luck then not to worry a damn bit about the 5/16" Hardox. Plan to have three 12X12 squares and three self designed torso targets. They will not be shot with anything larger than a 308 and no closer than 200 yards.

Thanks

 

[JC Steel]

Re: Building some targets, anyone use Hardox plate

It might work just fine!! Cut it up and give it a try. Post some pictures when you shoot it. I would love to see how it comes out.

I would say if its 308 and smaller and no closer than 200 you might be just fine

Jake

 

[Muttt]

Re: Building some targets, anyone use Hardox plate

Who cares .... it's free.

What I mean is, try it out. If it gets beat up too quick, all you are out is the time you put into making it.

Have fun. Let us know how it works.

 

[Blackhawk 1]

Re: Building some targets, anyone use Hardox plate

At the 200 yard range the targets will still take a beating and may start to taco on you. Something I have thought about with our left over 1/4 is to bolt two pieces together. If you try this use Grade-8 bolts no washers on the side to be shot, tighten down with a standard not and then backup with a top-lock nut. Use Red
Loktite. If you make any type of support or hanger do not weld to the plate, bolt only and you will be very happy.

 

[adam330]

Re: Building some targets, anyone use Hardox plate

Hardox 500 will be fine to use, I believe it is the same as ar500 just a different name. I have made numerous targets out of 3/8 inch hardox. The only time they have recieved any damage was when they were shot with a 22-250 spitting out 50gr sierra smp's @ around 3850 fps. That did put some small craters in them. The 308, 223, and 338wm just take the paint off. Have fun hearing them ping!

 

[Little Z28]

Re: Building some targets, anyone use Hardox plate

I'd shoot at Hardox 400 or 500. The 5/16" is a little thin, but as long as you don't make a rigid target, you won't have any issues. If you bolt it to something solid and it can't swing or move much, you may have eventually get some warping or pierce it with some high velocity rounds, but I'd go for it.

 

[BrettSass844]

Re: Building some targets, anyone use Hardox plate

I got a test piece cut to see exactly what type of beating this stuff will take. It will be making its way up to TVP for Tom and the guys to abuse. My thoughts are if it will take a 300Hulk it will take anything else we will be throwing at it. I will update after I get some results. I sure do like the weight of the 5/16. I hope this goes well, it will make for some nice protable targets to take to various locations.