Whether you’ve been using firearms for years or are new to the world of target shooting, you’ve undoubtedly noticed that there are several target options out there. If you’re looking for steel targets, there’s a temptation to assume all products are essentially the same and just purchase the least expensive one. Metal is metal, right? Well, not quite.
When you buy metal targets of a specific thickness and size, they will all weigh the same, but that does not mean they are all of the same quality. Cheaper targets often have a lower hardness rating, making them unsuitable for tactical shooting. Steel targets should have a hardness rating of 450 or higher to avoid pitting, splitting, or even piercing the target. Damage to the surface of your targets can cause bullets to ricochet, endangering anyone in the vicinity.
The safest solution is to only purchase your targets from a distributor that provides used steel of the appropriate hardness. All the targets we manufacture at Alliant Metals come with a Certificate of Conformance verifying the hardness rating of 450 or more. This documentation ensures that the targets meet the safety standards, especially for use with high-caliber rifles. If a supplier is not willing to or can’t provide this documentation, you should purchase your targets elsewhere.
Finding a reliable and reputable supplier is the best way to ensure that you purchase targets that meet your needs and the requisite safety standards. At Alliant Metals, all our half-inch AR500 steel targets have a verified hardness factor of 495. These durable targets are suitable for hours of intense use before needing to be replaced. Less thick targets are available (such as the ⅜ inch thickness), but the half-inch thickness is best for high-caliber and high-velocity ammunition and high-powered rifle shooting.
Beyond the standard gong and silhouette shapes, Alliant Metals also offers custom cutting. We can customize the thickness, size, and shape of the target to your specifications.
