Best Steel Targets for .308: AR500, AR550, Thickness and Distance Explained

For most shooters, the best steel targets for .308 are properly rated 3/8" AR500 targets used at 100 yards or farther. That thickness gives you an excellent balance of durability, portability and price for .308 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, 5.56 and handgun use. Shooters running high round counts or wanting greater resistance to pitting can step up to 1/2" AR500 or premium Hardox® AR550. The key is not simply buying the thickest plate. Steel hardness, target design, ammunition, velocity and shooting distance all matter.

A .308 Winchester carries significantly more energy than a typical handgun round, so buying a rifle target requires more attention to the product rating. A plate labeled "AR500" is not automatically appropriate for every rifle cartridge or every distance.

If you want a simple starting point, use this rule: 3/8" AR500 is the all-around choice for most .308 shooters, while heavier AR500 and Hardox® AR550 make more sense as shooting volume and target demands increase.

Best Steel Targets for .308 at a Glance

For a shooter using .308 a few weekends a month, 3/8" AR500 is usually all the target you need. Shoot Steel's 3/8" AR500 round gongs are specifically rated for short-action rifles through .308 Win and 6.5 Creedmoor when used at the required distance.

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Is AR500 Good for .308 Winchester?

Yes. Properly rated AR500 is an excellent target steel for .308 Winchester. The important phrase is "properly rated." AR500 describes the hardness class of the steel, but plate thickness, target construction and shooting distance still determine how the finished target should be used.

Shoot Steel uses domestic AR500 steel in its AR500 target line and CNC laser-cuts the plates for consistent dimensions and controlled edges. Its 3/8" AR500 targets are commonly used for centerfire rifles through .308 Win and 6.5 Creedmoor on applicable products.

For someone who also shoots 9mm and 5.56, that makes 3/8" AR500 especially useful. One target can cover multiple firearms without forcing you into the extra weight of a 1/2" plate.

• 9mm: Excellent on handgun-rated AR500
• 5.56 / .223: Excellent at the appropriate rifle distance
• .308 Win: Excellent on appropriately rated 3/8" AR500
• 6.5 Creedmoor: Also supported on applicable 3/8" Shoot Steel targets

Is 3/8" AR500 Thick Enough for .308?

Yes. You do not automatically need 1/2" steel to shoot .308.

This is one of the biggest misconceptions when shopping for .308 steel targets. Thicker steel sounds better, but 3/8" AR500 is already capable of handling .308 on targets engineered and rated for that cartridge.

The advantages of 3/8" AR500 include:

• Less weight to carry downrange
• Lower cost than comparable thicker plates
• Excellent performance with .308 at proper distances
• More movement when a hanging gong is struck
• Easy integration into portable target systems
• Versatility for handgun, 5.56 and .308 training

If your range involves moving targets frequently, that weight difference becomes significant. A 1/2" plate contains roughly one-third more steel than a 3/8" plate of the same dimensions.

For a portable .308 range, 3/8" AR500 is usually the better balance of capability and weight.

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When Does 1/2" AR500 Make Sense for .308?

A 1/2" AR500 target gives you more plate mass and opens the door to heavier rifle cartridges beyond .308. Shoot Steel's current 1/2" AR500 products are rated for .308 at a 100-yard minimum and can support more demanding cartridges on applicable targets.

For .308 alone, 1/2" is not usually required. It starts to make more sense when:

• You operate a commercial or high-volume range
• You shoot .308 very frequently
• The target will remain installed rather than being carried back and forth
• You also shoot larger long-action or magnum cartridges
• You want additional target mass and reduced movement

For a permanent rifle range, the extra weight may not be a drawback at all. For a shooter carrying targets 200 or 300 yards downrange, it may be a major one.

AR500 vs. AR550 for .308

AR500 is already a strong choice for .308. AR550 moves toward premium, heavier-duty rifle use.

Hardox® AR550 has greater nominal hardness than AR500 and offers increased resistance to pitting from repeated high-velocity impacts. Shoot Steel's Hardox® AR550 products use Swedish-made Hardox® plate and are manufactured into finished targets in the United States. Current 1/2" Hardox® AR550 round targets are rated for handguns and rifles through .300 Win Mag.

For .308 shooters, AR550 becomes attractive when:

• You fire a high number of rifle rounds each year
• You operate a training facility or commercial range
• You frequently shoot high-velocity rifle cartridges
• You want greater resistance to surface wear and pitting
• You also shoot cartridges beyond .308

If you shoot .308 occasionally, 3/8" AR500 remains an excellent value. If the target will see repeated rifle impacts for years, investing in Hardox® AR550 may make more sense.

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How Far Away Should You Shoot .308 at Steel?

For conventional flat Shoot Steel rifle targets rated for .308, 100 yards is the standard minimum starting distance. Shoot Steel's general safety guidance recommends at least 100 yards for rifle targets and increasing distance as muzzle velocity increases.

That distance matters for two reasons:

• Target life: Rifle bullets lose velocity as distance increases, reducing the stress placed on the target face.
• Shooter safety: Proper distance helps reduce exposure to bullet fragments created when the projectile impacts the plate.

Never assume that a thicker target lets you move closer. A 1/2" target does not automatically have a shorter minimum shooting distance than a 3/8" target.

Always use the published minimum distance for the exact target you purchased.

Can You Shoot .308 Steel at 50 Yards?

Not with a conventional flat-mounted target unless that specific system is designed and rated for it.

Shoot Steel does offer a specialized Hardox® 1/2" AR550 Short Range Rifle Target rated for rifles through .308 Win at 50 yards. Unlike a normal flat target, it holds the 12" x 20" plate at a fixed 40-degree forward angle specifically engineered to direct bullet splash and energy toward the ground.

This is a good example of why target design matters as much as steel thickness. Do not apply the 50-yard rating of a purpose-built angled system to a normal hanging gong.

Does .308 Damage AR500 Steel?

It should not significantly damage a properly rated AR500 target when the correct ammunition and shooting distance are used.

If you see pitting or cratering, something needs to change. Possible causes include:

• Shooting too close
• Higher-than-expected impact velocity
• Using inappropriate ammunition
• Shooting a target that is not rated for .308
• Continuing to use an already damaged target face

Inspect your steel regularly. Shoot Steel recommends increasing distance if pitting is observed and removing severely cratered or damaged plates from service.

What Ammo Should You Use With .308 Steel Targets?

Conventional lead-core, copper-jacketed rifle ammunition is the normal choice for properly rated .308 steel targets.

Do not use ammunition that contains hardened penetrators or is specifically designed to defeat hard targets.

Avoid:

• Armor-piercing ammunition
• Steel-core ammunition
• Tracer ammunition
• Other specialty projectiles prohibited by the target manufacturer

For conventional lead-core FMJ .308 ammunition, use a target rated for the cartridge and remain at or beyond the published minimum distance.

Projectile construction matters. Two cartridges both labeled ".308" can behave differently against steel depending on the bullet loaded into them.

What Size Steel Target Is Best for .308?

The right target size depends mostly on distance and the difficulty you want.

These sizes are recommendations rather than safety requirements. A smaller target increases difficulty, while a larger target provides a more forgiving strike area and is easier to see at distance.

A useful range setup is to use progressively smaller targets as you move closer and larger gongs farther downrange.

Gong or Silhouette: Which Is Better for .308?

Steel Gongs

For most .308 shooters, a steel gong is the best all-around rifle target. Hanging gongs are simple, durable and easy to position at different distances.

They also provide two kinds of feedback:

• The audible ring of a hit
• Visible target movement

At longer ranges, visual movement becomes especially valuable because there is a noticeable delay between firing and hearing the impact.

Silhouette Targets

Silhouettes make more sense for practical rifle drills, law enforcement training and scenarios where target shape matters more than pure precision.

A static silhouette can be useful for:

• Position shooting
• Timed rifle strings
• Transition drills
• Practical rifle training

For traditional long-range practice, however, round or rectangular gongs are usually simpler and easier to position throughout a range.

How Should You Mount a .308 Steel Target?

For a conventional .308 gong, the target should be mounted using a system designed to allow it to move after impact. Chains, rubber straps and T-post gong hangers are all common options.

Allowing the gong to swing provides visible feedback and prevents the target from being completely rigid.

A good long-range setup might include:

• 3/8" or 1/2" rifle-rated gong
• T-post gong hangers
• Rubber straps or appropriate chains
• Clearly maintained target face
• Targets distributed at 100, 200, 300 and 500 yards

At longer distances, simple mounting systems become particularly valuable. You do not want to repeatedly walk 300 yards downrange because a poorly designed hanger turned your plate sideways.

Best .308 Steel Target Setup by Shooter

• Occasional recreational .308 shooter: 3/8" AR500 gong
• 9mm + 5.56 + .308 shooter: 3/8" AR500 for maximum versatility
• Precision rifle shooter: Multiple 3/8" AR500 gongs in progressive sizes and distances
• High-volume .308 shooter: 1/2" AR500 or Hardox® AR550
• Commercial range: Hardox® AR550 where increased resistance to pitting justifies the investment
• Portable rifle range: 3/8" AR500 gongs with T-post hangers
• Permanent range: Heavier AR500 or AR550 targets where transport weight is less important
• Specialized closer-range rifle training: Use only a purpose-built system specifically rated for that shorter distance

Common Mistakes When Buying Steel Targets for .308

1. Assuming you automatically need 1/2" steel. Properly rated 3/8" AR500 handles .308 and is often easier to own and move.
2. Buying based only on the AR500 label. Check the actual caliber and distance rating.
3. Shooting too close. A thicker plate does not cancel the manufacturer's minimum distance.
4. Ignoring ammunition construction. Hardened-core and armor-piercing projectiles can damage steel.
5. Ignoring velocity. Impact speed has a major effect on target life.
6. Buying a target that is too small for the intended distance. A tiny plate may sound challenging but become frustrating at 300 or 500 yards.
7. Using a rigid or poorly designed mounting system. Match the hanger to the target and application.
8. Ignoring pitting. If the strike face starts showing damage, increase distance and inspect the target.
9. Applying the rating of one target to another. A purpose-built short-range AR550 target can have very different specifications from a conventional hanging gong.

Which .308 Steel Target Should You Buy?

For most recreational shooters, start with a 3/8" AR500 gong rated for .308 Win. It gives you the best combination of price, durability, portability and versatility.

If the same range also sees 9mm and 5.56, 3/8" AR500 becomes even more practical because you can use the same properly rated plate across multiple firearms while changing your shooting distance.

If you regularly send large volumes of .308 into steel, operate a commercial range or want a premium heavy-duty setup, look at 1/2" AR500 or Hardox® AR550.

Most importantly, buy the target for the way you actually shoot. More thickness and harder steel can be valuable, but they are not substitutes for correct ammunition, proper mounting and the required shooting distance.

Shop Rifle Steel Targets

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best steel target for .308?
For most recreational shooters, a properly rated 3/8" AR500 gong is the best all-around .308 target. It provides sufficient capability for .308 Win while remaining lighter and easier to move than comparable 1/2" targets.

Can you shoot .308 at AR500 steel?
Yes. Shoot Steel offers 3/8" and 1/2" AR500 targets rated for .308 Win. Always follow the caliber, ammunition and minimum-distance specifications for the exact product.

Is 3/8" AR500 enough for .308?
Yes. Shoot Steel's applicable 3/8" AR500 targets are rated for short-action rifle cartridges through .308 Win and 6.5 Creedmoor when used at the required distance.

Do you need 1/2" steel for .308?
No. 1/2" steel can be useful for heavier-duty or high-volume applications, but properly rated 3/8" AR500 is suitable for .308 Win.

Is AR550 better than AR500 for .308?
AR550 is harder and can provide increased resistance to pitting from repeated high-velocity impacts. For occasional .308 shooting, AR500 provides excellent performance. AR550 becomes more attractive for high-volume or demanding rifle use.

How far away should you shoot .308 at AR500?
Shoot Steel generally specifies a 100-yard minimum for conventional rifle targets rated for .308. Increase distance if required by the specific target or if target damage or pitting is observed.

Can you shoot .308 at steel from 50 yards?
Only use a target specifically designed and rated for that distance. Shoot Steel's Hardox® 1/2" AR550 Short Range Rifle Target is purpose-built for rifles through .308 Win at 50 yards and uses a fixed 40-degree forward target angle. That rating should not be applied to conventional flat or hanging steel targets.

Can you shoot FMJ .308 at steel?
Conventional lead-core, copper-jacketed ammunition can be used on a target rated for .308 when all distance requirements are followed. Do not use steel-core, armor-piercing or other prohibited penetrator ammunition.

What size steel gong is best for .308 at 100 yards?
A 5" to 8" gong provides a useful challenge for many shooters at 100 yards. Move toward larger 10", 12" or larger targets as distance increases or when you want a more forgiving strike area.

Should a .308 steel gong swing?
Yes. A hanging gong should be allowed to move as designed when struck. Movement provides visible feedback and is part of the intended function of a properly mounted gong system.

Does 1/2" AR500 let you shoot .308 closer than 3/8" AR500?
No. Do not reduce shooting distance simply because the target is thicker. Follow the minimum distance listed for the specific target system.

What is the best portable .308 steel target setup?
A 3/8" AR500 gong combined with T-post gong hangers and appropriate straps or chains provides a versatile portable setup. The lower plate weight makes it easier to transport and place at multiple distances.