When customers first explore steel shooting targets, one of the most common questions we hear at Alliant Metals is: What exactly is AR500 steel? It’s an important question, especially since we manufacture all of our steel gongs and silhouette targets using this metal. Understanding why we use AR500 helps shooters make informed, confident decisions.
Let’s start with the basics. AR500 is a high-carbon, heat-treated alloy steel known for its exceptional hardness and abrasion resistance. The “AR” stands for “abrasion resistant,” and the “500” refers to its approximate Brinell Hardness Number (BHN) of 500. This hardness rating makes AR500 steel targets highly resistant to surface wear, impact damage, and deformation.
Because of its durability, AR500 is commonly used in demanding industrial applications, including armored vehicles, truck plows, heavy equipment, and mining components. When applied to shooting targets, these same properties provide both longevity and enhanced safety.
So, why do these characteristics make AR500 preferable for targets? The primary advantage of AR500 steel targets is impact resistance. When bullets strike a properly mounted AR500 target at the recommended distance and velocity, they flatten and disperse energy outward. This creates predictable ricochet patterns, directing bullet fragments safely toward the ground.
By contrast, softer steels can dent or crater. Once a target surface is deformed, it increases the risk of unpredictable bullet deflection, sometimes even leading to dangerous bounce-back. AR500’s hardness minimizes this risk by maintaining a smooth, flat shooting surface over time.
While hardness is important, more is not always better. Increasing the BHN beyond optimal levels can make steel brittle. Brittle materials are more likely to crack under high-velocity impacts, particularly from rifle rounds, which generate significantly greater force than handgun ammunition. AR500 strikes the right balance between hardness and toughness, delivering durability without sacrificing structural integrity.
Choosing AR500 steel targets means spending less time replacing worn-out equipment and more time enjoying the range. Properly maintained AR500 targets can withstand thousands of rounds, making them a reliable long-term investment for recreational shooters and professionals alike.
We’re the experts in all things stainless steel and metal distribution in New England at Alliant Metals. To learn more about our products and services, contact our team at 800-543-1453. We’re ready to answer your questions and help you find the right products for your needs.
