AR500 Vs. AR550 – Does it really matter? What’s the difference?
When it comes to choosing the right steel targets for your shooting setup, one question we often hear is: AR500 vs. AR550 – does it really matter? The short answer: yes, especially if you’re shooting rifles. Let’s break down the differences between these two types of armor-grade steel and how they impact target durability, safety, and performance.
First, the basics. The “AR” in AR500 steel stands for Abrasion Resistant, and the number following it represents the Brinell Hardness Number (BHN). AR500 typically falls within the 460–544 BHN range.
Both AR500 and AR550 are heat-treated, abrasion-resistant steels used in high-impact, high-wear applications like mining and material handling. This makes them ideal for use in steel shooting targets.
AR500 Steel: Proven Performance
AR500 steel has long been a standard in the industry due to its excellent balance between durability and affordability. It holds up extremely well under stress and impact, especially for general rifle use and most rimfire and handgun calibers.
However, when subjected to high-velocity rifle rounds—like .223 or 5.56 NATO—AR500 can develop pitting over time. This not only affects the appearance of the target but can also reduce safety by creating unpredictable bullet fragmentation paths.
We decided to begin exploring the idea of using AR550 steel for all of our rifle rated targets, with the exclusion of our 50 BMG target line. For pistol use, there will be no noticeable difference between AR500 and AR550. In fact, all of our targets that are intended for use with pistols only are cut from AR400 steel. This is a slightly softer material, but a more economical option as well.
When it comes to pistol targets, the amount of energy and the velocity of the rounds is so much less that the hardness becomes less of a factor.
High velocity and energy exerted by rifle rounds makes the hardness of the material a key factor. We were all very surprised to see just how much better the AR550 steel performed when testing with high velocity rounds such as 5.56 and .308.
Key Benefits of AR550:
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Higher hardness: AR550 steel measures closer to 550 BHN, offering better resistance to deformation and pitting.
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Improved performance with high-velocity rounds: AR550 withstands repeated impacts from 5.56 and .308 much better than AR500.
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Increased target lifespan: Less wear and tear means your targets stay in better condition for longer.
We still recommend the same minimum shooting distances for AR550 as we do for AR500, but our customers have seen a dramatic reduction in pitting—even at distances under 100 yards. For shooters putting lead on steel on a regular basis, AR550 is a strong choice. We recommend AR550 steel targets for military, law enforcement, and high volume club use. To see our whole selection in one place, click here to view our AR550 steel targets.
Not All AR500 and AR550 Are Created Equal
Even if two steels are both labeled “AR500” or “AR550,” they may perform very differently. Why? Because each steel mill uses its own chemical composition and heat treatment process. We source our materials only from a few trusted American mills that meet our strict standards for quality, consistency, and performance.
Every target design goes through extensive testing, with thousands of rounds fired to ensure maximum durability and safety before reaching your hands. Not all AR500 and AR550 are the same, even if it may have the same material hardness and even if it is indeed “certified” AR500/AR550. The true BHN will vary from mill to mill!
Final Thoughts: Choose the Right Steel for the Job
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For pistol targets, AR400 is economical and effective. 3/8″ AR500 steel will work great for pistols, magnum cartridges, and many short action rifles.
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For rifle targets, AR550 clearly outperforms AR500—especially when shooting high-velocity rounds like 5.56 or .308. 1/2″ AR500 is recommended at minimum, but getting a AR550 steel target mean you’ll have steel that hold up much better against pitting and last longer. For shorter distances with high-velocity ammo, AR550 is really the only way! We recommend the short-range Armadillo or the Evil Roy Target system for 1/2″ AR550 steel that angles the more spall downward and away from the shooter.
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Not all steel is created equal. Buy from reputable sources with rigorous quality standards.
We’re committed to providing the best AR550 steel targets on the market. Have questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out—call us at 763-205-2109 or email customerservice@shootsteel.com.
For more information, check out our video below: