Magnum Spring-Popper

Most auto poppers tap out at .308. The Magnum Auto Popper does not. Built from a 1/2" AR500 steel target face, a 3/8" AR500 hardened steel base and rugged 5/8" hardware throughout, this is the self-resetting target that handles what standard reactive targets cannot, including long-action magnums, heavy-hitting large-bore cartridges and everything up to .338 Lapua Magnum at 200 yards. If your cartridge has been outpacing your targets, this is the system built for it.

The target face is 16" tall and 8" wide, CNC laser-cut from 1/2" AR500 for a clean edge and consistent hardness across the entire plate. Strike it and the heavy-duty spring snaps it back upright automatically. No walking downrange. No manual reset. Just run your drill and send it again. The base is 3/8" AR500, the same hardened steel as the face, not mild steel like you will find in cheaper competing systems that bullet splash cuts through in a single session. Pre-drilled holes in the base accept the included legs, raising the target 6" off the ground. Those same holes double as staking points if you prefer to anchor the base directly to the ground without the legs.

This target accepts centerfire handguns at proper distance and is rated for centerfire rifles up to .338 Lapua Magnum at 200 yards minimum using standard lead-core, copper-jacketed ammunition. The .338 Lapua Magnum generates muzzle velocities right at the 3,000 fps mark depending on load and barrel length, which is precisely why the 200-yard floor exists on this target. That distance keeps impact energy within the rated threshold and splash patterns safe.

Target, base and legs ship unpainted. Shipping applies to the lower 48 United States. For inquiries outside the lower 48, contact us at customerservice@shootsteel.com.

What's Included

• (1) 16" x 8" Magnum Auto Popper target face, 1/2" AR500, CNC laser-cut
• (1) 3/8" AR500 hardened steel base
• (1) Leg set with 5/8" hardware, raises target 6" off the ground
• Not included: Paint

Safety and Usage

Minimum shooting distances:

• Centerfire handgun: 10 yards minimum
• Centerfire rifle at or below 3,000 fps muzzle velocity: 100 yards minimum; increase distance if pitting is observed
• Centerfire rifle above 3,000 fps muzzle velocity: 200 yards minimum; increase distance if pitting is observed
• Maximum rated cartridge: .338 Lapua Magnum at 200 yards minimum
• Standard lead-core, copper-jacketed ammunition only

Always use quality eye and ear protection. Inspect the target, base and legs before every session. Replace any component that shows cratering, severe pitting or structural damage. Repaint regularly to track impacts and monitor surface health.

FAQs

What makes the Magnum Auto Popper different from a standard auto popper?
The Magnum is built to a heavier spec throughout. The target face is 1/2" AR500, the base is 3/8" AR500, and all hardware is 5/8". That combination handles the sustained impact energy of long-action magnum and large-bore cartridges that will damage or destroy standard reactive targets rated only to .308 or similar.

What is the hardest hitting cartridge this target is rated for?
The Magnum Auto Popper is rated up to .338 Lapua Magnum at 200 yards minimum using standard lead-core, copper-jacketed ammunition. The .338 Lapua Magnum is a military-grade long-range cartridge generating muzzle velocities near 3,000 fps and muzzle energies over 4,800 ft-lbs. Setting the minimum distance at 200 yards keeps impact energy within the target's rated threshold and maintains safe splash geometry.

Can I shoot handguns at this target?
Yes. Unlike our standard auto poppers, the Magnum Auto Popper is designed to accommodate centerfire handguns at a minimum distance of 10 yards.

How does the auto-reset mechanism work?
A heavy-duty spring connects the target face to the base. A solid hit flips the target rearward and the spring returns it to the upright position automatically. No downrange trips, no tools, no interruption to your drill or stage walkthrough.

Can I stake the base to the ground instead of using the legs?
Yes. The pre-drilled holes used to attach the legs also work as staking points. Drive stakes through those holes to anchor the base directly to the ground for added stability on soft terrain or when a lower profile setup is preferred.

Why does the base material matter on a target this size?
At magnum distances, bullet splash still carries significant energy when it contacts the base. A mild steel base degrades quickly under repeated magnum impacts. The 3/8" AR500 base on this system resists that erosion so the entire target holds up under hard use, not just the face plate.

What ammunition is this target rated for?
Standard lead-core, copper-jacketed ammunition only. No steel-core, armor-piercing or tracer ammunition. These round types exceed the surface hardness rating of the steel and will damage the target and create unsafe splash conditions regardless of distance.

Does it ship painted?
No. The target, base and legs ship as bare steel. White and bright orange provide the best downrange visibility.

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.