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Premium AR500 & AR550 Steel Targets – Built for Performance and Durability

At Shoot Steel, we design and manufacture steel shooting targets that deliver unmatched performance and longevity. Whether you’re training with rifles, handguns, or hosting high-volume shooting sessions, our AR500 and AR550 targets are precision-cut, tested, and trusted by professionals across the country.

We exclusively use high-quality AR500 and AR550 steel, sourced from leading mills in the U.S., and Europe. Each target is CNC laser cut for extreme consistency and minimal heat-affected zone—ensuring the target maintains its structural integrity shot after shot.

Unlike painted targets that hide imperfections, our unpainted steel targets ship raw and ready for use. This allows us to pass cost savings on to you without compromising performance. Some targets may show light surface oxidation or mill scale, which is natural for hardened AR steel and does not affect performance.

We don’t rely on marketing gimmicks—just field-proven results. Our steel is built to take thousands of hits from common calibers like 9mm, .223, and .308, and is trusted by competitive shooters, law enforcement, and firearms instructors alike.

Why Shoot Steel?

  • True AR500/AR550 hardness for rifle and pistol use

  • Laser-cut steel targets for cleaner edges and better durability

  • Made in the USA and precision crafted for serious shooters

  • No middlemen – direct from our facility to your range

Not all AR500 targets are the same. Choose the steel that stands up to serious use—and a company that stands behind every target we sell.

AR500 Steel Shooting Targets | Thickness & Material

1/4” AR400

Designed to handle centerfire handguns up to 45ACP. The 1/4” AR400 works with 38sp, 9mm, 40S&W and similar cartridges. Great for shooters looking for a deal on handgun targets and rimfire targets. These steel target are great for a light option that’s easy to manage for close-range shooting. For club and training use please see our 3/8” AR500 steel shooting targets.

3/8” AR500

3/8″ AR500 steel shooting targets are designed to handle magnum handguns and rifles up to 308, also great for 223/5.56, 5.45×39, 7.62×39 and similar. These targets will handle rugged everyday handgun use associated with clubs and training. 3/8″ AR500 steel targets are ideal for shorter ranges when shooting between 10-200 yards.

1/2” AR500 & AR550

1/2″ AR500 steel shooting targets are designed for rugged daily rifle use, including 300 and 338 magnum rifles, as well as other dangerous game cartridges. AR550 steel targets are ideal for close-range shooting 223/5.56 NATO for law enforcement and Military. Please see our article for more information on the difference between AR500 & AR550.

3/4” AR500

Designed for 50BMG, these AR500 steel shooting targets also works with large 375, 416 and 408 cartridges.

Cartridge Guide

Glossary Of Terms:

  • PCC – Pistol Caliber Carbine
  • Rimfire – Small rimmed cartridges such as .22 LR and .17 HMR
  • Short Action – Small Frame rifle cartridges – Cartridges up to .308 Win
  • Long Action – Large Frame non-magnum cartridges
  • Magnum Cartridges – Large bore or high energy cartridges including pistol and rifle variants
  • Pistol – Handgun with a barrel under 16”
  • Rifle – Shoulder Fired, Barrel 16” or longer

Click to below to expand guides:

Rimfire / Pistol Cartridges

Cartridge Recommended Thickness/Grade Minimum Distance
.22 LR (Pistol) 1/4” AR400 10 Yards
.22 LR (Rifle) 1/4” AR400 10 Yards
.22 Magnum (Pistol) 1/4” AR400 10 Yards
.22 Magnum (Rifle) 1/4” AR400 25 Yards
.17 HMR (Pistol) 1/4” AR400 50 Yards
.17 HMR (Rifle) 1/4” AR400 100 Yards
.380 ACP 1/4” AR400 10 Yards
9mm (Pistol) 1/4” AR400 10 Yards
9mm (PCC) 1/4” AR400 25 Yards
.40 S&W (Pistol) 1/4” AR400 10 Yards
.40 S&W (PCC) 1/4” AR400 25 Yards
.45 ACP (Pistol) 1/4” AR400 10 Yards
.45 ACP (PCC) 1/4” AR400 25 Yards
10mm (Pistol) 3/8” AR500 25 Yards
10mm (PCC) 3/8” AR500 25 Yards
.45 GAP 1/4” AR400 25 Yards
.357 Sig 3/8” AR500 25 Yards
.38 Special 1/4” AR400 10 Yards
.357 Magnum (Pistol) 3/8” AR500 25 Yards
.357 Magnum (Rifle) 3/8” AR500 50 Yards
.44 Special 1/4” AR400 10 Yards
.44 Magnum (Pistol) 3/8” AR500 25 Yards
.44 Magnum (Rifle) 3/8” AR500 50 Yards
.45 Long Colt 1/4” AR400 10 Yards
.454 Casull 1/2” AR500 25 Yards
.460 S&W (Pistol) 1/2” AR500 50 Yards
.460 S&W (Rifle) 1/2” AR500 100 Yards
500 S&W (Pistol) 1/2” AR500 50 Yards
500 S&W (Rifle) 1/2” AR500 100 Yards
50 AE 1/2” AR500 25 Yards

Short Action Rifle Cartridges

Cartridge Recommended Thickness/Grade Minimum Distance
17 Remington 3/8” AR500 200 Yards
204 Ruger 3/8” AR500 300 Yards
20 PPC 3/8” AR500 200 Yards
22 Hornet 3/8” AR500 100 Yards
218 Bee 3/8” AR500 100 Yards
221 Remington Fireball 3/8” AR500 150-200 Yards
222 Remington 3/8” AR500 200 Yards
223 Remington 3/8” AR500 100 Yards (16” Barrel)
222 Remington Magnum 3/8” AR500 200 + Yards
22 PPC 3/8” AR500 200 + Yards
219 Zipper 3/8” AR500 200 + Yards
22 Bench Rest (BR) 3/8” AR500 200 + Yards
224 Valkyrie 3/8” AR500 200 Yards
224 Weatherby Magnum 3/8” AR500 200 + Yards
22-250 Remington 3/8” AR500 200 + Yards
220 Swift 3/8” AR500 200 + Yards
6mm PPC 3/8” AR500 200 + Yards
6mm BR 3/8” AR500 200 Yards
243 Winchester 3/8” AR500 200 + Yards
6mm Creedmoor 3/8” AR500 200 + Yards
6mm Remington 3/8” AR500 200 + Yards
6mm-284 Winchester 3/8” AR500 200 + Yards
250 Savage 3/8” AR500 200 Yards
6.5mm Creedmoor 3/8” AR500 100 Yards
260 Remington 3/8” AR500 100 Yards
6.8 Remington SPC 3/8” AR500 100 Yards
270 Winchester Short Magnum(WSM) 1/2” AR500 200 + Yards
7mm-08 3/8” AR500 100 Yards
7mm Remington Short Action Ultra Magnum (SAUM) 1/2” AR500 200 + Yards
30 M1 Carbine 3/8” AR500 100 Yards

30 BR

 3/8” AR500 100 Yards
30-30 Winchester 3/8” AR500 100 Yards
300 Remington SAUM 1/2” AR500 200 + Yards
300 WSM 1/2” AR500 200 + Yards
308 Winchester 3/8” AR500 100 Yards
32 Winchester Special 3/8” AR500 100 Yards
325 WSM 1/2” AR500 200 + Yards
338 Federal 1/2” AR500 200 + Yards
35 Remington 1/2” AR500 200 + Yards
44-40 Winchester 3/8” AR500 100 Yards

Long Action Rifle Cartridges

CARTRIDGE Recommended Thickness/Grade Minimum Distance
240 Weatherby Magnum 1/2” AR500 200+ Yards
6mm-284 Winchester 3/8” AR500 200 + Yards
257 Roberts 1/2” AR500 200 + Yards
25-06 Remington 1/2” AR500 200 + Yards
6.5 x 55 Swedish Mauser 3/8” AR500 200 + Yards
6.5-06 A-Square 1/2” AR500 200 + Yards
264 Winchester Magnum 1/2” AR500 200 + Yards
270 Winchester 1/2” AR500 200 + Yards
280 Remington 1/2” AR500 200 + Yards
30-40 Krag 1/2” AR500 100 + Yards
30-06 Springfield 1/2” AR500 200 + Yards
7.62x54r 1/2" AR500 100+ Yards

303 British

 1/2” AR500 200 + Yards
8x57 Mauser 1/2” AR500 200 + Yards
35 Whelen 1/2” AR500 200 + Yards
350 Remington Magnum 1/2” AR500 200 + Yards
45-70 Government 1/2” AR500 200 + Yards
257 Weatherby Magnum 1/2” AR500 200 + Yards
270 Weatherby Magnum 1/2” AR500 200 + Yards
300 Winchester Magnum 1/2” AR500 200 + Yards
300 Weatherby Magnum 1/2” AR500 200 + Yards
30-378 Weatherby Magnum 1/2” AR500 200 + Yards
.338 Lapua Magnum 1/2” AR500 200 + Yards
338-378 Weatherby Magnum 1/2” AR500 200 + Yards
7mm Shooting Times Western (STW) 1/2” AR500 200 + Yards
7mm Remington Magnum 1/2” AR500 200 + Yards
7mm Weatherby Magnum 1/2” AR500 200 + Yards
340 Weatherby Magnum 1/2” AR500 200 + Yards
223 WSSM 3/8” AR500 200+ Yards
243 WSSM 1/2” AR500 300 + Yards
25 WSSM 3/8” AR500 200+ Yards

Heavy Rifle Cartridges

CARTRIDGE Recommended Thickness/Grade Minimum Distance
375 CheyTac (Lead Core) 3/4” AR500 300 Yards
375 CheyTac (Brass Solids) 3/4” AR500 400 Yards
408 CheyTac (Lead Core) 3/4” AR500 300 Yards
408 CheyTac (Brass Solids) 3/4” AR500 400 Yards
416 Barrett (Lead Core) 3/4” AR500 300 Yards
416 Barrett (Brass Solids) 3/4” AR500 400 Yards
50 BMG (Ball and Brass Solids) 3/4” AR500 300 Yards
50 BMG Improved 3/4” AR500 400 Yards
50 BMG Armor Piercing/API Not Rated Not Rated

AR500 Steel Shooting Targets | Gong .vs. Static Targets

Static Targets

The static steel targets are perfect for handguns and short action rifle cartridges. They offer easy setup when compared to a gong target. They work great when hung from a shepherds hook (we don’t recommend this for targets larger than 12”). Shepherds hooks are $5-6 at your local hardware store. We have options for horizontal (speed rack hangers)  and vertical 2×4 hangers (static target hangers), and our patented t post hangers for easy attachment to a T post / Fence Post. The statics also allow for faster follow up shots as the target stops swinging much faster than a gong target. The 1/2” carriage bolt included in our static hangers allow the target may be shot repeatedly without waiting, while providing a great, audible ring. Great for double taps!

For a more complete setup, take a look at our static steel target stands for the ultimate portable yet stable and robust package. The static steel targets work well for 223/5.56 and are not designed to handle more than a .308 Win rifle. Gongs are a better option for larger rifles.

Gong Targets

Steel gong targets work well for long action, as well as magnum cartridge rifles and handguns. This makes them perfect choice of steel rifle target for long range range & hunting practice. The stand on which the target is hung can be designed to withstand heavy use. Take a look at our gong stands for a very rugged yet portable stand. We also offer DIY options for steel gong target stands, offering the brackets/hardware for your own custom conduit or 2×4 stand. All Gong stand options can be found in our Target Stands category.

AR500 Steel Shooting Targets | Our Manufacturing Process

Materials

The majority of our products are made entirely in USA, from US steel to US fabrication, US assembly, and US fulfillment from our warehouse in Minnesota. A select few products use steel made in North America and Europe, such as our AR550 steel targets. We work with a select few mills that provide what we feel to be the best AR500 available. Not all AR500 is the same, even if it has the same hardness. Each mill has slightly different alloys and heat treatments.

You may hear other target companies claim to use armor plate or ballistic tested steel. We order from mills that provide this service but choose not to have out material tested. The NIJ certification teste test has nothing to do with long term durability and only ensures that the material can withstand a few hits. Our targets are designed to last thousands of hits, not just a few dozen. Keep this in mind when other companies claim to use certified armor.

Cutting Process

Heat is generated when targets are cut, and heat is the enemy of hardness! You are essentially annealing the edges of the plate when heated under cutting temperatures. This area is called the heat affected zone (HAZ). The less heat that is induced into the part the smaller the HAZ. Laser cutting uses a highly focused beam of energy to cut through the steel. This introduces very little heat into the part, creating a very small HAZ. This leads to only minimal steel being chipped on direct edge shots, where the steel is the weakest.

Laser cutting also has low setup costs, often making it more economical that waterjet cutting. Waterjet cutting is an acceptable method for cutting AR500 grade steel. The heat generated in waterjet cutting is minimal due to the large amounts of water flowing over the material.

You may also see other companies using water submerged plasma. This is an economical form of cutting designed for metals such as abrasion resistant steels. Water submerged plasma generates a HAZ that is greater than the previously mentioned methods, leading to a more brittle target by comparison to our AR500 steel shooting targets.

AR500 steel shooting targets | Set Up & How-To

Setup

Place the target away from buildings and other objects you wish to keep free from debris. The target will deflect lead and copper at roughly a 20 degree angle. Keep this in mind when choosing a location to place a target. The target must have a proper backstop behind it to stop misplaced shots. Always consider what is beyond the target and place it in a safe direction.

AR500 Steel Targets

Steel targets should be placed no closer than 10 yards for pistol use to avoid the risk of spall from hitting the target. Magnum cartridges should be used at 25+ yards out. For rifle use, place the target no closer than 100 yards, placing the target further away as the muzzle velocity increases. The velocity of the bullet will deteriorate the target more than the weight. High velocity rounds (3000+FPS MV) or magnum cartridges should only be used at longer ranges of 200 yards or more. Always check for damage when setting up for rifle, moving the target further back if damage occurs.

Safety

Bullet fragments may come towards the shooter and spectators. All persons in the area must have ear and eye protection. Bullet fragments may cause harm to shooters, spectators and objects near the target. Use steel targets at your own risk!

Shooting at steel targets can be dangerous and caution must be taken to ensure safety. Spall can go in all directions, and ricochet, while unlikely, can occur from hitting a pit in the target. Mild pitting and edge chips are a natural part of the wear and tear on steel targets, but when used safely, does not prevent the target from used for years and years with thousands of rounds.

We recommend using separate AR500 steel shooting targets for close-range & long-range use. If you have a whole arsenal at your disposal, consider having a steel pistol target for 10-100 yards and a steel rifle target for lining up further out shots. This way, the high velocity ammo that can cause pitting is only being used on the distant target. With proper ammo and distances, the steel pistol target should hold up without pitting, highly reducing the chance of ricochet.   

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