DIY steel target

[unfitmother]

Here's my hanger for a 2'x2' gong. Got all the construction & material ideas from the "DIY steel targets" thread on the old SnipersHide.

[Bearcatrp]

What is the thickness of the gong?

[unfitmother]

It's 3/8" AR400 from DiscountSteel.com. $125 local pickup in Minneapolis.

[OldmanFCSA]

Have you had any of the welds broken yet?

Several steel targets I have shot, have had the welds broken by the vibration of plate being hit with umpteen thousands of ft/lbs of energy.

Also I would recommend that the plates be hung at a greater angle to project spatter into the ground instead of possibly back at you.

Otherwise, looks great !!! What range and caliber are you shooting ?

I use one of ShootSteel.com's 15"dia X 3/4" thick AR500 steel targets for sighting in at 1100 yards. Solid brass bullet splash tends to "gold plate" the steel. Have not shot AP at it, and will not, as I donated this target to the Range Owners. (that way I don't have to carry it back and forth each time we shoot).

[JJ]

Have you had any of the welds broken yet?

Several steel targets I have shot, have had the welds broken by the vibration of plate being hit with umpteen thousands of ft/lbs of energy.

Also I would recommend that the plates be hung at a greater angle to project spatter into the ground instead of possibly back at you.

+1

i have had much better success with holes and grade 8 bolts. The additional benefit of boltingg is the fact that if your chain/strap is on the back side of the plate, it will automatically give the plate a forward tip, helping direct everything down.

[Doc Harvey]

If I may ask what I suppose will be an extremely stupid question....is it difficult to drill holes in 3/8" AR400 steel?

[Ghost]

I've been using these, very happy with the AR550 in them.
http://www.amazon.com/Caldwell-223375-Magnum-Rifle-Gong/dp/B005CF1TMG

Watching sales I've been able to buy them complete (gong plus stand) for $65 shipped.

Also picked http://www.amazon.com/Kill-Zone-Magnum-Gong-Only/dp/B0095I70I8/ref=sr_1_2?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1433522167&sr=1-2&keywords=caldwell+kill+zone&pebp=1433522168849&perid=1J710T82HT0NBWD7XVG1 For $37.50 shipped on an amazon sale.

Amazon, DVOR, woot all have great prices at times on Caldwell stuff.

I wouldn't buy AR400, this target was AR400. Holes from a 30-06 everything else .223.

[OldmanFCSA]

If I may ask what I suppose will be an extremely stupid question....is it difficult to drill holes in 3/8" AR400 steel?

Zero your rifle with AP's, mark the plate where you need thru holes, shoot the mark. Note: you may need to deburr both sides after shot.

I actually used my 25-06 to shoot a hole in a piece of farm equipment so I could attach a chain to it. Equipment was broken, chain was required so I could get it home to repair by welding.

[JJ]

If I may ask what I suppose will be an extremely stupid question....is it difficult to drill holes in 3/8" AR400 steel?

You have a couple options. The easiest is using a plasma torch or oxy/acetylene torch and punching a hole. You can also use a torch to heat the metal to red and this will anneal the material enough to drill. Low speed and lots of coolant on a mag drill or drill press can work too.

The way oldman noted works as well, though you don't need AP's. High velocity is the single hardest thing on steel plates. A JSP at 3500fps punches a nice hole.

[unfitmother]

If I may ask what I suppose will be an extremely stupid question....is it difficult to drill holes in 3/8" AR400 steel?

Zero your rifle with AP's, mark the plate where you need thru holes, shoot the mark. Note: you may need to deburr both sides after shot.

I never even thought about using AP I went with welds because I didn't want to buy a carbide bit. I did have a weld crack over the winter.

I would love to be shooting this gong at 500-1000 yds, but I only have access to 500 at the moment (Caribou Gun Club). When I shoot steel at 100 or 200 yds, I use AR500 (shootsteel.com). At 300+ yds, the velocities have slowed enough that AR400 has no problem holding up. At first I was shooting 223, but then switched to 270 Win.

Oldman, thanks for the compliment earlier. I will take your recomendation about angling it more.

[Sigfan220]

We have a bunch of 2nds right now. Prices start at 40% off web price. Stock on 2nds changes daily stop in and take a look for those who are interested. We also have a bunch of surplus steel that is heavily marked down. Easier than screwing around with drilling and may even cost less.