How far away should I stand when shooting steel targets?

Handguns: 10 yards minimum. Rifles: 100 yards minimum. Increase distance for magnum calibers and when plates show wear.

What ammo can I shoot at steel targets?

Standard lead-core ammunition only. Never steel-core, armor-piercing, bi-metal jacket, or green-tip (M855) — these damage plates and create dangerous ricochets.

Can I shoot .50 BMG at these targets?

Only at Big Bore Series targets (3/4 inch AR500), from 300 yards or more, with ball or brass-solid ammunition. Never armor-piercing, incendiary, tracer, SLAP or steel-core rounds, and never .50 BMG at 1/2 inch targets.

How should steel targets be set up?

Angle targets slightly downward so spatter deflects into the ground, hang them so they swing freely to absorb energy, and keep the area around the target clear of rocks and hard surfaces.

When should a steel target be retired?

Retire any plate with craters, pitting, or deep gouges — damaged steel deflects unpredictably. Never shoot steel that has been hit with the wrong ammunition, even once.

Steel Target Safety

Read This Before You Shoot Steel

Shooting steel targets is inherently dangerous. Done right, it's one of the most satisfying ways to train. Done wrong, it puts you and everyone beside you at risk. Follow these rules every session, no exceptions.

Minimum distances

Handguns: 10 yards minimum.
Rifles: 100 yards minimum.
Increase distance for magnum calibers and when plates show wear.

Ammunition

Standard lead-core ammunition only.
Never steel-core, armor-piercing, bi-metal jacket, or green-tip (M855) ammunition — these damage plates and create dangerous ricochets.

Setup

Angle targets slightly downward so spatter deflects into the ground.
Hang targets so they can swing freely — moving steel absorbs energy safely.
Keep the area around the target clear of rocks and hard surfaces.

Every session

ANSI-rated eye protection for every person on the line. No exceptions.
Inspect plates before shooting. Retire any plate with craters, pitting, or deep gouges — damaged steel deflects unpredictably.
Never shoot steel that has been shot with the wrong ammo, even once.

.50 BMG and other big-bore rifles (Big Bore Series only)

Only Big Bore Series targets (3/4″ AR500) are rated for .50 BMG. Never shoot .50 BMG, .416 Barrett or .408 CheyTac at 1/2″ targets.
300 yards minimum for .50 BMG ball (lead-core, copper-jacketed) and brass solids; 400 yards for brass solids in .416 Barrett and .408 CheyTac.
Never armor-piercing (AP), API/incendiary, tracer, SLAP or steel-core .50 BMG — they are not rated for any steel target, and a single round can crater the plate.
Big-bore impacts wear steel faster than smaller calibers: inspect after every string and retire the plate at the first crater or deep gouge.
Big Bore plates weigh 24–96 lb. Hang them from rated chain or hangers on a stand built to take the swing; never lean a big-bore plate against a rock, post or berm.

Assumption of risk

By purchasing from Wyatt Targets, LLC, you acknowledge these risks and agree that Wyatt Targets, LLC, its owners, and its suppliers are not liable for injury, death, or property damage arising from the use or misuse of its products. Full terms in our Safety Policy. Use at your own risk.