18"x30" 50 BMG Steel Target | 3/4" AR500 Big Bore Gong

The 18"x30" 3/4" AR500 50 BMG Steel Target is the flagship plate in the ShootSteel big-bore lineup. At 18 inches wide and 30 inches tall, it presents a target face that is unmistakable at 300 yards and beyond, giving long-range shooters a visible, satisfying reference for 50 BMG, .416 Barrett and .408 CheyTac without straining to find the plate in the scope between shots. The 3/4" AR500 construction provides the mass and hardness required to absorb the extreme impact energy of these cartridges at the rated distances without cratering or penetrating. Ranked the number one AR500 steel target by LynxDefense.

The gong design positions the chain and 5/8" mounting hardware behind the target face and out of the direct splash path, protecting connection points from repeated big-bore impact energy and reducing unplanned downtime for hardware replacements. Due to the size, weight and energy requirements of this gong, it is only compatible with the Complete 60" HD Gong Stand when using BMG mounting hardware. Using other stands creates unsafe conditions and risks structural failure. Ships unpainted. Not sure which thickness is right for your cartridge? Consult our Cartridge Guide.

What's Included

• (1) 18"x30" gong target, 3/4" AR500, accepts 5/8" mounting bolts
• Not included: Chain, mounting hardware, stand, paint

Safety and Usage

Minimum shooting distances by cartridge:

• 50 BMG ball and brass solids: 300 yards minimum
• 50 BMG AP and API: Not rated
• .416 and .408 lead-core: 300 yards minimum
• .416 and .408 brass solids: 400 yards minimum
• Increase distance based on your specific load and barrel length

Do not use AP, API or steel-core ammunition at any distance. Large-caliber rounds generate significant bullet splash that can damage nearby objects and pose serious safety risks. Remove all unnecessary objects from in front of, behind and to the sides of the target before shooting. Ensure a proper backstop is in place. Always use quality eye and ear protection. Inspect the target and all mounting hardware before every session. Replace any plate that shows cratering or severe pitting. Repaint regularly to track impacts and monitor surface health.

FAQs

Why choose the 18"x30" over the 12"x20" or 12" round gong?
At 300 yards and beyond, a larger target face reduces the time spent re-acquiring the plate between shots and makes it easier to confirm hits without adjusting magnification. The 18"x30" profile is the right choice for shooters running extended long-range sessions where target visibility at distance is a priority, for ranges where multiple shooters are engaging the same target simultaneously, and for any setup where a commanding downrange presence matters. It is also the most practical option for first-round hits during load development at extreme distances.

What stand is required for this target?
This gong is only compatible with the Complete 60" HD Gong Stand when using BMG mounting hardware. The size, weight and recoil energy of 50 BMG and comparable cartridges exceed what conduit stands and lighter-duty hardware can handle safely. Using unapproved stands creates unsafe conditions and risks structural failure under fire.

What calibers is this target rated for?
50 BMG ball and brass solids at 300 yards minimum, .416 and .408 lead-core at 300 yards minimum, and .416 and .408 brass solids at 400 yards minimum. AP and API rounds are not rated at any distance. Always verify safe distances based on your specific load and barrel length, as muzzle velocity varies with barrel length and affects safe engagement distance.

Why are minimum distances set at 300 to 400 yards?
Large-caliber rounds carry impact energy and produce bullet splash with enough residual force to cause serious injury at closer ranges, even when hitting hardened steel. The minimum distances are set to reduce splash energy to a safe level for the shooter and any bystanders. These are not conservative estimates, they are the distances at which these cartridges can be used safely on steel targets.

Why does the gong design protect the chain and hardware?
At 50 BMG distances, splash from a direct hit still carries meaningful energy when it reaches hardware near the impact zone. The gong profile keeps all mounting hardware behind the face and clear of direct splash, extending the service life of chains and bolts and reducing the frequency of hardware replacements under sustained big-bore fire.

Does it ship painted?
No. The target ships as bare steel so you can apply your preferred color. White and bright orange provide the best downrange visibility at extended distances.

Is this product made in the United States?
Yes. Our targets are manufactured in the United States.

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 from high-volume or high-impact use 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
• Targets 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. Use targets per the safety guidelines on our website and in the included instruction sheet. Need a copy? Email us.

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