Bullet Splatter Explodes Soda Cans

To demonstrate what happens to a bullet when it hits a hanging steel target, like the Hang 'N Hook Target, we took some soda cans out to the range... Check it out!

Shooting Steel 101

Shooting AR500 Steel targets is one of the most fun things you can do at the range.  And it's actually quite safe if you know the basic rules to follow.  So let's dive right in. 

  • Why You should Only Shoot AR500 or AR550 Hardened Steel
  • What Type of Ammo to Use
  • What are Safe Distances for Rifles vs. Handguns
  • How to select the right target thickness for your caliber
  • How Bullets React on Fixed Targets vs. Hanging Targets

Let's dive right in... 

Why You Should Only Shoot AR500 or AR550 Steel

This hardened metal is much tougher than stainless steel. Stainless steel is a soft steel and bullets can actually ricochet. But if you use AR500, the bullet will basically vaporize on contact.  

What Kind of Ammo Should I Use?

If you can get it, the best ammo to use is frangible ammo because it completely disintegrates on contact. But, it's not that common to find. So, you'll want to use Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) ammo or ball ammo. It is everywhere.

FMJ has an outer shell made from one type of metal (usually copper) and a soft interior such as lead. Both frangible or FMJ act almost like a water balloon on contact.

The bullet splatters and sends fragments out perpendicular to the target.

Watch us use soda cans to prove it in the video below. 

Avoid using steel core, armor piercing or green tip. This ammo reacts very differently. It doesn't break apart easily and can be unsafe. 

How Close Can I be When I Shoot AR500 Steel? 

Distance to TargetTarget Thickness
Rifles100+ Yards3/8" AR500
Handguns25+ Yards1/4" AR500

The recommended distance for handguns is 25 yards.  For rifles, its 100 yards. If the target is reactive (ie. hanging targets that absorb some energy) you can safely make shots closer than  the recommended distance. But be careful because as you move closer to the target there is higher chance of splash back. You could also cause damage to the target if you are too close. Always uses safety equipment such as eye and ear protection. 

Fixed Targets Vs. Hanging (Reactive) Targets

The difference is pretty straightforward. A hanging absorbs some of the energy from a bullet and causes the target to react. If the target is hanging it will swing. A dueling tree target will swing to the other side.

A fixed target is usually affixed to a pole or sturdy object and doesn't move. Fixed targets should have a downward angle to direct bullet fragments downward. You don't need that downward angle with a hanging target. It will absorb the energy and direct the bullet downward.

Fixed Target Example

Hanging & Reactive Example

Conclusion

Shooting steel targets can be fun and safe. Just make sure you follow the rules above and you'll be hearing the sweet clang of success in no time! P.S. Looking for a steel target setup? Take 10% off your next purchase with coupon code 

Hang N' Hook (Brackets and Hooks)
Hang N' Hook (Brackets and Hooks)
Hang N' Hook (Brackets and Hooks)
Hang N' Hook (Brackets and Hooks)
Hang N' Hook (Brackets and Hooks)
Hang N' Hook (Brackets and Hooks)
Hang N' Hook (Brackets and Hooks)
Hang N' Hook (Brackets and Hooks)
Hang N' Hook (Brackets and Hooks)
Hang N' Hook (Brackets and Hooks)
Hang N' Hook (Brackets and Hooks)
Hang N' Hook (Brackets and Hooks)

Hang N' Hook (Brackets and Hooks)

$29.99
The image showcases the
Contender Kit
Photo shows two 8-inch Contender Kit gongs from Yankee Thunder made from durable AR500 steel, each with two mounting holes at the top, placed side by side against a black background. The text below reads,
A beige canvas carrying bag featuring the
Four dark-colored metal hooks with circular tops are arranged in a row against a black background.
Two black metal leg brackets with a large circular top and two triangular legs, each featuring a hole where the legs meet. The text
Description: An advertisement for a free bonus Handgun Sniper Masterclass. It displays a laptop screen with the text
The image showcases the
Contender Kit
Photo shows two 8-inch Contender Kit gongs from Yankee Thunder made from durable AR500 steel, each with two mounting holes at the top, placed side by side against a black background. The text below reads,
A beige canvas carrying bag featuring the
Four dark-colored metal hooks with circular tops are arranged in a row against a black background.
Two black metal leg brackets with a large circular top and two triangular legs, each featuring a hole where the legs meet. The text
Description: An advertisement for a free bonus Handgun Sniper Masterclass. It displays a laptop screen with the text

Contender Kit

$119.99
Champion Kit
Champion Kit
Four circular AR500 steel gongs with two mounting holes each are displayed in a two-by-two arrangement. Text below the gongs reads,
Four dark-colored leg brackets, each featuring a circular top and two extending arms, are shown in a group. Below the image, the text
A set of eight black hooks with circular tops and curved bottoms are neatly arranged in two rows. The text
Two beige canvas carrying bags with drawstring closures are displayed side by side. Each bag has the text
Champion Kit
Champion Kit
Four circular AR500 steel gongs with two mounting holes each are displayed in a two-by-two arrangement. Text below the gongs reads,
Four dark-colored leg brackets, each featuring a circular top and two extending arms, are shown in a group. Below the image, the text
A set of eight black hooks with circular tops and curved bottoms are neatly arranged in two rows. The text
Two beige canvas carrying bags with drawstring closures are displayed side by side. Each bag has the text
Champion Kit

Champion Kit

$219.99
Beginner Kit
Beginner Kit
A beige canvas carrying bag with a drawstring closure. The text “Yankee Thunder” is printed in bold black letters on the front, with a small hook illustration in between. Below that, “Beginner Kit” and “DiyTargetKit.com” are also printed in black. Ideal for transporting AR500 steel targets, the bag is displayed against a plain background.
Four durable black metal hooks with circular tops and curved bottoms are arranged in a row against a black background. Perfect for your Yankee Thunder Beginner Kit, these accessories are ideal for AR500 steel targets. The text
Beginner Kit
Beginner Kit
Beginner Kit
Beginner Kit
A beige canvas carrying bag with a drawstring closure. The text “Yankee Thunder” is printed in bold black letters on the front, with a small hook illustration in between. Below that, “Beginner Kit” and “DiyTargetKit.com” are also printed in black. Ideal for transporting AR500 steel targets, the bag is displayed against a plain background.
Four durable black metal hooks with circular tops and curved bottoms are arranged in a row against a black background. Perfect for your Yankee Thunder Beginner Kit, these accessories are ideal for AR500 steel targets. The text
Beginner Kit

Beginner Kit

$59.99
The Warrior Kit
The Warrior Kit
The Warrior Kit
The Warrior Kit
The Warrior Kit
The Warrior Kit
The Warrior Kit
The Warrior Kit
The Warrior Kit
The Warrior Kit
The Warrior Kit
The Warrior Kit
The Warrior Kit
The Warrior Kit
The Warrior Kit
The Warrior Kit
The Warrior Kit
The Warrior Kit
The Warrior Kit
The Warrior Kit
The Warrior Kit
The Warrior Kit

The Warrior Kit

$199.99