I want to build a "gong" type target out of steel plate but do not know how thick it needs to be in order to prevent the bullets from passing through. I do not want it thicker than necessary because I will be hauling it from home to where I shoot so it needs to be somewhat portable. I would use it for my 45 Colt which launchs 335 grain hard cast lead bullets at 1300 fps (closest shots would be at 25 yards) and for my 300 Win Mag which is the Barnes 180 TSX at 3100 fps (closest shots would probably be 300 yards). Thanks, Brian.

i once made one, 12" dia. 3/4" thick, my 7mmRem.Mag put craters in it at 100 yd. and lead splashes beyond 250

You need "T1" armor plate or AR400 steel plate to totaly avoid craters from bullets going over 2000 feet per second. Working in the mining industry over the years has given me the oportunity to "collect" different types of abrasive resistant materiels and shoot them.:D AR400 is better than T1 because it's cheeper and easier to get, but it is harder to weld.

RJ

Manhole cover might work. As a challenge, shoot through the holes.

Manhole cover might work. As a challenge, shoot through the holes.


1. Mmmmmm, he did say he wanted to "carry it" to the range.

2. What a sight, people walking around wirh feces on their pants, heh, heh

Rj is right, AR400 is the way to go, best and cheapeat. Just as an aside, I had (free) a 12" dia., 1.5" thick, heavy stainless steel plate that at 50yds the 1895 made swiss chesse out of it. Didn't even recover a bullet.

Dan

T1 is a good idea. I have been at a few ranges where the gongs were cratered and the lead can slash back pretty bad. I saw an officer qualifying one time that had to have another officer pull a bullet jacket out of his upper arm. That is getting pretty close to the neck/face area. I had a frien once who cut up some 18 wheeler leaf springs and hung them from chains at 200 yards and further. They worked pretty good for rifles.

You could probably get away with 1/2" mild steel for the 45 but you might as well get the ar400 since it is working double duty with the 300

I have never heard of AR400. I assume it is a type of steel alloy. Is that right? Where would I get that steel? I really want this mainly for my pistol. If it would be much simpler to just get a chunck of 1/2" mild steel plate locally I might just do that. Brian.

Manhole covers are round. They'll roll. Problem will be when you have to pick it up to put it in the truck or the rig you will need to hang that sucker. They are HEAVY! Careful of your fingers... ouch!

I carried mine to the range. (Actually I suckered some OTHER poor *** to carry it) Then left it there.

i should disclaim my previous statement with the fact that I use my 357 with 200gr hard cast, I can't guarantee that it will work for you, but I think it will

AR400 is heat treated A36 (mild)steel. It's pretty easy to get at your local steel store. You might check with a local weld shop and see if you can pick up their drops (left over pieces)

RJ