Ricochets with metal targets?......

[steelersfan97]

Has anyone ever had this problem. Specifically shooting a hanging metal target.

[Sir Henry]

Yes it can be a real problem. That is why our range bans metal targets closer than 200 yards.

[CT_Shooter]

I was testing some new bullets in handloads yesterday and hit the steel that protects the clips for holding cardboard or paper targets. It sent shrapnel across all three targets that were hung side-by-side, especially the one just below the clip. It freaked me out. I thought it was a problem with my ammo. Turned out it was just a problem with my aim.

Paper targets with shrapnel shredding

[PT7]

Ricochet always is a danger to watch for. I shoot quite a lot at black steel targets at two different friends' ranges. One is set up at a professional and very safe level, the second I have to be more careful. Mainly what I watch for is the angle the target is set to absorb a hit, and to deflect the bullet toward the ground. Of course, the strength of the target is critical (caliber versus steel), and distance from my muzzle to target must be watched.

There is a ton of web stuff on how to set up steel targets safely. I always like Hickok45's video. Here is one from 1/2 dozen years ago, "Range Tour 2," with some focus and his thoughts on his steel targets. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omVvuRFuAZ4

Enjoy walking the range with him. Looks like it was a very nice day!
Have a great day....and be safe!

Has anyone ever had this problem. Specifically shooting a hanging metal target.

[steelersfan97]

Thanks for the link to the video. A lot of good information there. If I had that setup in my back yard, I would go bankrupt buying ammunition.

[PT7]

You're quite welcome.
Yes, you'd go broke probably along with others here on the Forum -- me included!

I'm certain, however, that Hickok45 gets quite a bit of donated ammo from the manufacturers as he'll promote their ammo. He is watched a lot.

Thanks for the link to the video. A lot of good information there. If I had that setup in my back yard, I would go bankrupt buying ammunition.

[White Squirrel]

My son-in-law has some steel targets from www.shootsteel.com.

They a recommend 10 yards for handgun targets, 25+ yards for magnum rounds and 100 yards for rifle rounds. For high velocity rounds (3,000 fps or more) they recommend 200 yards.

That is why they also recommend targets that are hinged at the top and swing freely at the bottom, i.e. hanging from a sheperds hook, a chain system, or some similar arrangment. This will cause the target to swing back when it is struck by the round and help to deflect any shrapnel downward.

I am by no means an expert on any of this, but essentially shooting is a dangerous sport. Not only can you get blowback from your target, but overloaded rounds, squib rounds or something else jammed in the barrel, or simply a failure in the firearm can cause injury or death. Not to mention, the dangers of other shooters around you.

Of course, life is dangerous. There may be a Mack truck out there with your name on the grill looking for you!

[Sir Henry]

...................There may be a Mack truck out there with your name on the grill looking for you!

Tell the mac truck I left town.