Hardox® 1/2" AR550 Steel Silhouette Target

The Hardox® 1/2" AR550 Steel Silhouette Target is one of the most durable silhouettes in the ShootSteel lineup. Available in 12"x20" (28 lb) or 9"x15" (16 lb), both sizes are CNC laser-cut from premium Swedish AR550 steel, which is harder than standard AR500 and specifically suited for high-velocity rifle rounds including .223/5.56 and other fast centerfire loads. The added hardness resists pitting, keeps the surface flatter over time and produces safer, more predictable splatter compared to softer steel grades. Whether you are running carbine drills, pistol practice or long-range zero checks, this plate delivers consistent feedback and long service life. Want the full technical comparison? Manufactured in the United States from Swedish AR550 steel.

What's Included

• Your choice of:
  (1) 12"x20" silhouette target, 1/2" AR550, CNC laser-cut, 28 lb
  or
  (1) 9"x15" silhouette target, 1/2" AR550, CNC laser-cut, 16 lb
• Not included: T-Post Hanger, Static Hanger, T-Post Stand, Static Stand, Paint

Safety and Usage

Minimum shooting distances:

• Centerfire handgun: 10 yards minimum
• Rifle at or below 3,000 fps muzzle velocity: 100 yards minimum
• Rifle above 3,000 fps muzzle velocity: 200 yards minimum
• Increase distance any time you observe pitting on the target face

Always shoot perpendicular to the target face. Use quality eye and ear protection. Inspect targets before every session and replace any plate that shows cratering or severe pitting. Repaint regularly to track impacts and monitor surface health. No steel-core, armor-piercing or tracer ammunition.

FAQs

Why AR550 over AR500?
AR550 is harder than AR500, which makes it significantly more resistant to pitting from fast rifle rounds. This is especially relevant with .223/5.56 and other high-velocity loads that can pit softer steel grades more quickly at closer distances. The added hardness extends service life, keeps the target face flatter over time and produces more predictable splatter behavior on impact.

What calibers is this target rated for?
All centerfire handguns at 10 yards minimum and centerfire rifle cartridges up to .308 Win at 100 yards minimum. For rifles above 3,000 fps muzzle velocity, increase to 200 yards minimum and monitor the plate for pitting after each session.

Which size should I choose?
The 12"x20" at 28 lb is the better choice for high-volume range use, club setups and instructors who want a larger strike face and more target presence at distance. The 9"x15" at 16 lb is lighter and easier to transport, making it a practical option for shooters who move their gear frequently or want a more compact silhouette for closer-range drills.

Why CNC laser-cut instead of plasma-cut?
CNC laser-cutting controls the heat-affected zone more precisely than plasma cutting, preserving hardness at the plate edge. The result is a cleaner perimeter, longer plate life and more predictable splatter behavior on impact.

Does this target ship painted?
No. All ShootSteel targets ship unpainted. White and bright orange offer the best contrast downrange for tracking hits.

Is this product made in the United States?
Yes. These targets are manufactured in the United States from premium Swedish AR550 steel.

Do you warranty your products?
Yes. We stand behind our products.

Personal and Recreational Use

• Target plates: covered against manufacturing and material defects for 90 days from date of delivery
• Welds: covered for 1 year from date of delivery
• Coverage includes weld integrity, materials and workmanship

Commercial and Range Use

• All components: covered against manufacturing and material defects for 90 days from date of purchase
• Coverage includes weld integrity, materials and workmanship
• Normal wear, pitting, cratering and target face degradation are not covered

To qualify for warranty coverage, targets must be used and maintained in accordance with ShootSteel safety and distance guidelines, including:

• No steel-core, armor-piercing or tracer ammunition
• Minimum recommended distances observed at all times
• Target mounted to ShootSteel specifications

ShootSteel reserves the right to request photos or inspection of any claimed item prior to approval. Misuse and abuse are not covered. Need a copy of our safety guidelines? Email us.

To start a warranty claim, contact customerservice@shootsteel.com with your order number and photos.