Close range targets

[timelinex]

What are you guys using as targets for short range practice?

For the rest of my centerfires I only shoot 400+ yards and for my rimfire's and handguns I use steel for close range.... but I was told that not only does 223 ding up the steel really badly at under 100 yards but its also unsafe at anything under 100 yards.

What are you guys using for close range targets then? I have a red dot on the AR, so its really not good for anything farther than 100 yards, unless its a very large target. It would be nice to do positional shooting at 50-100 yards.

 

[Temp9]

Re: Close range targets

I personally don't have anything against shooting steel at 50 yards with an AR. It'll dimple the steel lightly (about .002-.003"), but no biggie. I'll replace it later. I always make sure that I and everyone in the area is wearing proper eye protection. I'm not recommending you do the same, just telling you my experience.

 

[p951951951t]

Re: Close range targets

With proper eye protection I also feel comfortable inside 100 yds.

 

[BDHershey]

Re: Close range targets

IDPA targets are what I use.

 

[Sierra]

Re: Close range targets

Paper targets for less than 100 yards with .556.

 

[Derek01]

Re: Close range targets

I use paper targets on old election signs.

 

[Laseredge]

Re: Close range targets

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Temp9</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I personally don't have anything against shooting steel at 50 yards with an AR. It'll dimple the steel lightly (about .002-.003"), but no biggie. I'll replace it later. I always make sure that I and everyone in the area is wearing proper eye protection. I'm not recommending you do the same, just telling you my experience. </div></div>

+1

I've shot as close as 30 yds. and never felt any splatter.
Green tip does a little more damage than 55 FMJ or 77 SMK, but still not too bad.
Eye protection-Always. All in all Steel is cheap compared to the cost of ammo.

 

[MtnCreek]

Re: Close range targets

Cut scrap cardboard into silhouettes. I also built some targets from scrap 2”x4”s and a sheet of plywood. The plywood was cut in half, so that gives 4’ x 4’ targets at 2’ above ground to 6’ above ground; plenty of room to staple 2 targets / 4’ x 4’ or just paint an outline or two.

With 55gr fmj’s, steel starts getting a little damage inside of ~200yds.

 

[trident1982]

Re: Close range targets

A new thing I tried was using torso sized cardboard cutouts, with very small white lightning charges at the critical zones.

Super fun, and quite reactionary

 

[HBAM1]

Re: Close range targets

Ill shoot steel with 55 at 25 yards.
mostly ipsc cardboard or plastic military targets with tshirts on for realism.

 

[Captain Kirk]

Re: Close range targets

I use smaller 6" and 8" hangers, the lighter weight seems to help them absorb the impact better vs the heavier ground based silhouette targets.

Kirk R

 

[bm11]

Re: Close range targets

Eye protection, otherwise no worries.

 

[BusterB]

Re: Close range targets

mining or conveyor type belt hung with a coat of paint on it to freshen up occasionally works quite well.

 

[i-give-up]

Re: Close range targets

I have my rifle steel hanging with the front angled downward. The steel is also free to swing backward when the round hits. Just for an experiment, I shot this at 15 yards with lead core 5.56 & 5.45. No damage to the steel or fragments back toward me. I just shot about five rounds of each. I wouldn't make a habit of it.

The downward angle is for safety, & the free swinging helps the steel last longer. Or so I have been told.

 

[p951951951t]

Re: Close range targets

I hang my ar500 plates in a free-swinging fashion. They are still holding up after a few dozen 50BMG rounds and thousands of smaller caliber hits. Of course, I'm not doing <span style="font-style: italic">that</span> at close range.

I've done a couple thousand rounds at about 35 yards with ss109 with no ill effects. I hang the plates from branches and make sure to wear quality eye protection (cheap plastic safety glasses are not quality eye protection!)

 

[MtnCreek]

Re: Close range targets

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I hang my ar500 plates in a free-swinging fashion. They are still holding up after a few dozen 50BMG rounds and thousands of smaller caliber hits.</div></div>

What range and what bullet type .50 on your plates?
Thanks.

 

[Yakface]

Re: Close range targets

Bowling pins are always fun to shoot at. So are golf balls.

 

[p951951951t]

Re: Close range targets

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MtnCreek</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I hang my ar500 plates in a free-swinging fashion. They are still holding up after a few dozen 50BMG rounds and thousands of smaller caliber hits.</div></div>

What range and what bullet type .50 on your plates?
Thanks.

</div></div>

Ball ammo only. Anywhere from 200m+

 

[997/2man]

Re: Close range targets

Dollar Store 4" cocktail plates @ 7 yards. Both carbines and M9 practice. Carbine to pistol. Left/right hand. Confidence drills. 55grain M193 is fine. We aren't dancing, gentlemen.

If you are shooting into soft berm, you are gtg. Steel, I'd back up a few yards.

P.S. To Hell with their steel.