Henry Rifle Forums

I've been researching metal targets for use at our family shooting range .... so far, I've reached the point where I realize I've moved from not knowing much to actually knowing even less .. .. I'm interested in a few gongs in an assortment of sizes .... nothing fancy, just want to hear the sound of the bullet hitting metal .... they will have to be able to withstand the impact from heavy hitters .... no 50 cals but 45-70 big, slow bullets as well as high speed 30 cal magnums .... recommendations as to specific ones to order would be appreciated

I have ordered 3/8" thick AR500 steel targets from "ShootingTargets7.com"
I have shot them with my .45-70 using bullets from 300 gr to 405 gr. The only bullets that have really made a little dimple were Hornady .243 75 gr V-Max bullets loaded with maximum loads of Varget at 40 yds.
I have shot them with everything from .22 rimfire to .44 magnum and .45-70. They work great. I don't have any 30 cal magnums, however.

Steve51 wrote: ↑

Thu Jun 04, 2020 8:38 pm

I have ordered 3/8" thick AR500 steel targets from "ShootingTargets7.com"

I've seen ads for AR500 steel ... is it correct that its about as tough as it comes .. .. are thicker ones available ..?.. I've shot some gongs with hunting level 44 mags and 45-70 that were pretty well destroyed .... don't know what type of steel they were made from

I spent some time visiting with the owners from Accurate Products at a gun show in Cedar Rapids, IA. They offer gongs up to 1/2 thick from AR500 steel, which they state is 4x harder than standard carbon steel. I believe they operate their business on the family farm, their website "accuratesteeltargets.com Kurtis Stockdale is the owner. I plan to pick up a couple of their products the next time they attend the CR show.

link appreciated .... in looking it over, they appear to produce a good product at a decent price .... they don't provide any specs as to calibers, bullet types or any other recommendations or limitations .... I'll most certainly keep the link and when I get to the point where I'm ready to order some, I'll most certainly give them a call .... thanks again

I have and shot 1/2 ar500 with alot of 30.06 and 300 win mag. Not much of a perceptible dimple, but the chain clevis's have taken quite a beating!
I am looking into a price of a sheet in both 3/8 and 1/2.
Then trying to slip in a slot on our waterjet will be the hardest part.
If so i will ask about a program that will get best fit to use up most of the scrap.
So if things pan out some may not be a regular round, squares, diamonds ect should be good. My kids n I dont care as long as it rattles down range.
So prices will reflect my cost and shipping
Keep ya posted.

sounds interesting .... first and experience with your '06 and Win Mag are greatly appreciated .... looking forward to following your project

Gonna second what Steve says. The guys at Shooting7 are vets. I like supporting the vets. There customer service is like Henrys second to none. There hanging systems work to keep bullets from ricocheting in unwanted directions. They also carry all the chain quick connects and necessary items to set you up. If you refer customers they give you a discount. Ive bought a several targets from them and they all are holding up as claimed.

Right up my alley! Look for 3/8ths thick AR500 steel and for best sound get something that is a longer rectangle shape like the tombstone gong.
Large size round gong like 20 inch or more gives a "gong" sound. Just watch a Hickok45 video and you will see how various type targets sound!

Also for best sound hang from a single hook if you can. hanging from chain or rubber will dampen the sound.
Some animal sillywets don't give as much sound. Bolting a plate or gong to a angle stand will generate much less sound.

On my hang hooks I go so far as to shape the contact area of hook that touches the gong to a taper for very minimum contact which results in less sound dampening.

Sound of tombstone gong from 80 yds. being hit with 405 gr. 45-70
https://youtu.be/r-R2uHRvC_s

The tombstone is 15 inch wide by 23 inch length 3/8ths AR 500. Got thru Artzen Targets. New address... https://madetargets.com/cowboy-targets/

fortyshooter wrote: ↑

Fri Jun 05, 2020 11:30 am

Right up my alley! Look for 3/8ths thick AR500 steel and for best sound get something that is a longer rectangle shape like the tombstone gong. Large size round gong like 20 inch or more gives a "gong" sound. Just watch a Hickok45 video and you will see how various type targets sound!

Also for best sound hang from a single hook if you can. hanging from chain or rubber will dampen the sound.
Some animal sillywets don't give as much sound. Bolting a plate or gong to a angle stand will generate much less sound.

On my hang hooks I go so far as to shape the contact area of hook that touches the gong to a taper for very minimum contact which results in less sound dampening.

interesting .... the only way I've seen is to hang the from one or two chains ... if you have any pictures of your setup, I'd appreciate seeing them