Steel Target Size

[Skeld1]

Not sure if this is the right section or not. What is an acceptable size for a target (steel plate) for a beginner to work on shooting at longer ranges, say 500 to 800 yds? I don't want it to be too big to make it overly easy, but it would be a nice confidence booster to actually hit it...

My only area to shoot a long way is a field without a good bank to spot the misses on. My spotting scope isn't very good and we haven't been able to "see" the bullet either.

 

[skinney_7]

Re: Steel Target Size

go with a 20" piece of steel, i usually try and stay MOA from 400-1200, but if you are just starting in on the mid to LR you will soon find out some of your misses are very hard to spot.

 

[5RWill]

Re: Steel Target Size

I went with a 30x18 from bigdogsteel, it's on it's way. I figured i could outline zones to hit if/when i become good enough for smaller targets. Or just get a smaller target.

 

[skinney_7]

Re: Steel Target Size

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Blackops_2</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I went with a 30x18 from bigdogsteel, it's on it's way. I figured i could outline zones to hit if/when i become good enough for smaller targets. Or just get a smaller target. </div></div>
AR500??? if so, do you mind stating price???
thank you.

 

[Max Owner]

Re: Steel Target Size

I have a 4", 10" and 15" steel gong. 24x24" plate. And a terroist target that might be 18" wide by 30" tall with a head on it.

My thought is start big and then go smaller as your skills/equipment improves. Or move bigger plates out further.

 

[terrell35744]

Re: Steel Target Size

The better question is what do you want to use the steel for? To give you feedback of where the round is hitting. For example if it is difficult to see impacts in the dirt where you shoot a 24"X24" or larger piece of steel would give you more feedback. If just hitting the steel is the main point then a couple different sizes would be best, 4",6", 8", 10", 12" would be a good start. You could put them at 5 different ranges or all at one like a KYL rack.

 

[tnichols]

Re: Steel Target Size

I use a 2/3 IPSC targets in AR500 for 400-600 yard shooting. They are 20" tall x 12" wide with a 4" x 4" head box. For anything beyond 600, I use a full size IPSC in AR400 which is 29.5" tall x 18' wide with a 6" x 6" head box. We shoot in an open field environment as well (no berm). If your just getting started, mount the targets as low as possible to the ground. Anything short will "splash" in front, anything long will be beyond the target, etc... Good luck and have fun.

 

[Skeld1]

Re: Steel Target Size

Thanks guys. Sounds like my target is a little too ambitious maybe. I'll start with something like what you have suggested, and keep this one as something to work up to, or maybe for shorter ranges.

A full size silhouette would be cool. Any companies make something like that for a reasonable price that stands up on its own?

 

[milo 2.0]

Re: Steel Target Size

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: skinney</div><div class="ubbcode-body">go with a 20" piece of steel, i usually try and stay MOA from 400-1200, but if you are just starting in on the mid to LR you will soon find out some of your misses are very hard to spot. </div></div>

+1 here

Moa size targets really are what a person should be shooting at, but on windy days this gets to be somewhat challenging.
Shooting at too big of a target let's us become somewhat complacent. But you can still go for center of the target.

One guy mentioned target height also, being as close to the groung will help alot.

If you have the coin that sniper's hide reactive target from Big Dog Steel looks like a perfect 5-800 yard target. If you can't bang the head, hit the body to see where your at.

 

[Disturbed]

Re: Steel Target Size

I will need to take pictures of this but I have several different sizes of steel placed at verying distances. At 400 and 600 yards I put two targets. 1 MOA size square with a 2MOA square under it. Both are held in place with chains. It looks similar to a silhoutte target with an independent head. The only problem I have is that when you hit the "head" it recoils so violently that it flips over the frame of the stand. The fix is to shorten the chain but I have not got around to doing it.

 

[tnichols]

Re: Steel Target Size

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Skeld1</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

A full size silhouette would be cool. Any companies make something like that for a reasonable price that stands up on its own? </div></div>
You are a ways away from us here (shipping can be pricey on steel) but I get all my rifle steel from Arntzen out of Rockford IL. They make a wide range of target sizes along with portable stands that fold up. I have to haul all the steel out on the day we shoot, so the fact that it's portable is nice. Something else to keep in mind, is to get 3/8" AR500 steel. It holds up well, rings like a bell, and isn't as damn heavy as the 1/2" AR400.

 

[timelinex]

Re: Steel Target Size

I would stick with 1 MOA or slightly bigger steel. If anything just move it in closer. So if you were just to get one, get a 8 inch for 500-800 yards. If you are having trouble hitting it just move it closer till you can hit it. No need to get enormous pieces.... Placing a 3 foot wall at 1000 yards isn't really practicing anything other than knowing you can lob a bullet in the general direction. Just start closer.

 

[Skeld1]

Re: Steel Target Size

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: timelinex</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would stick with 1 MOA or slightly bigger steel. If anything just move it in closer. So if you were just to get one, get a 8 inch for 500-800 yards. If you are having trouble hitting it just move it closer till you can hit it. No need to get enormous pieces.... Placing a 3 foot wall at 1000 yards isn't really practicing anything other than knowing you can lob a bullet in the general direction. Just start closer. </div></div>

I see your point. Doesn't seem like a bad idea though to have a larger plate with a smaller target area to shoot for, and if you mess up you can still see where you hit. But yes the ultimate goal would be to be able to hit something smaller than a 4x8 sheet.

 

[timelinex]

Re: Steel Target Size

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Skeld1</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: timelinex</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would stick with 1 MOA or slightly bigger steel. If anything just move it in closer. So if you were just to get one, get a 8 inch for 500-800 yards. If you are having trouble hitting it just move it closer till you can hit it. No need to get enormous pieces.... Placing a 3 foot wall at 1000 yards isn't really practicing anything other than knowing you can lob a bullet in the general direction. Just start closer. </div></div>

I see your point. Doesn't seem like a bad idea though to have a larger plate with a smaller target area to shoot for, and if you mess up you can still see where you hit. But yes the ultimate goal would be to be able to hit something smaller than a 4x8 sheet.

</div></div>
Unless your talking about walking back and forth to see and record every hit, I'm not sure how that would work... Part of the point of steel over paper targets is to be able to know you got a hit at longer distances and immediate feedback. I'm not sure if your gonna be able to see where it hit on the steel at 800 yards through your scope(especially after a couple hits).

Just something to keep in mind...

 

[milo 2.0]

Re: Steel Target Size

[/quote]
Unless your talking about walking back and forth to see and record every hit, I'm not sure how that would work... Part of the point of steel over paper targets is to be able to know you got a hit at longer distances and immediate feedback. I'm not sure if your gonna be able to see where it hit on the steel at 800 yards through your scope(especially after a couple hits).

Just something to keep in mind... [/quote]

WTF, even with a poorer qaulity scope you should be able to see your hits at 800 yards. If the mirage isn't kicking your ass, spotting hits at a mile is no big deal.

 

[Skeld1]

Re: Steel Target Size

If you keep painting the plate white to cover the old hits, you might be able to spot them. Not sure.

 

[timelinex]

Re: Steel Target Size

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: milo-2</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Unless your talking about walking back and forth to see and record every hit, I'm not sure how that would work... Part of the point of steel over paper targets is to be able to know you got a hit at longer distances and immediate feedback. I'm not sure if your gonna be able to see where it hit on the steel at 800 yards through your scope(especially after a couple hits).

Just something to keep in mind...

WTF, even with a poorer qaulity scope you should be able to see your hits at 800 yards. If the mirage isn't kicking your ass, spotting hits at a mile is no big deal.</div></div>

I'm in phoenix, I dont remember the last time I didn't shoot in mirage!

But like I said, you might see them, but unless you keep walking back and forth to paint the old ones... good luck keeping track. Anyways, just my opinionm take it or leave it!

 

[BadDudes4Hire]

Re: Steel Target Size

Go with a 20" and also get yourself a 10 or 12" plate. You will be 2 moa at 500 yards to start, and as you improve, you can be at 1 moa. Then, you can use your 10 or 12 to stick out a little farther, and by time you are at 1000 yrds. Go back to 20 incher and you are at yet again, 1 moa.