Steel Target Shooting Tips
Hey all, we here at True Shot Academy are going to go over some steel target shooting tips today. Steel targets are employed by shooters of all types for various purposes. Everyone from casual, recreational shooters to armed professionals and competition shooters utilize steel targets. We are going to delve into various considerations and tips regarding the effective use of steel targets. Without further ado, let’s go over some steel target shooting tips.
Why Shoot Steel Targets?
Shooters utilize steel targets to provide immediate indicators of impacts on target. These types of targets have prominent audible and visual cues to denote any and all impacts. Beyond providing instant feedback, steel targets are hardier than their cardboard and paper counterparts. This is to say that steel targets generally have long service lives, especially when used properly. Shooters can find a great deal of value in shooting steel targets.
Potential Fire Hazard
One should be wary of shooting steel targets while around dry brush and dead vegetation. There is a potential for sparks to fly when certain ammunition is used on a steel target. Naturally, dry brush and dead vegetation do not mix with sparks and unfortunately act as tinder for fire. Of course, some environments are more at risk of fires than others are. One should use their best judgement when employing steel targets in generally, but especially in sensitive areas prone to fires.
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Avoid the Use of Certain Ammunition
One should avoid the use of certain types of
ammunition when shooting steel targets. Ammo with steel cores is not recommended as it can be a potential fire hazard and cause undue wear on a target. Additionally, one will want to avoid shooting a steel target with armor piercing or incendiary type ammunition to avoid damage and risk of fire.
Keep a Safe Distance from Your Steel Target
One should ensure that they keep a safe distance from their steel target. Doing so reduces the risk of a shooter being struck by ricochets or spalling from the steel target. Safe distances depend upon the firearm, caliber, and specific loading one is using. Generally speaking, one should be at least 15 to 25 yards from steel targets when shooting a pistol. For rifles, it is generally recommended that one stays about 100 yards away from their steel target. This is due to the fact that rifle cartridges are much more powerful than their pistol counterparts.
Consider the Angle of a Target
One should also be mindful of and consider the angle a target can be presented at when utilizing steel targets. Generally, it is not optimal to fire at a steel target that is not presented at least a slight angle. Angles aid in ensuring that bad ricochets do not occur and that potential spalling, ricochets, and fragments are redirected. Standing targets tend to be angled downwards to deflect projectiles and other matter downwards into the dirt rather than back to the shooter.
If You Do Want to Shoot Close
If one wishes to shoot steel targets at close ranges, it is recommended that they use frangible
ammunition.
Ammo of this type is designed to disintegrate upon impact, essentially eliminating the potential for ricochets.
Norma,
Federal,
Winchester, and
Fiocchi are among the producers of frangible ammunition. Loadings of this type can be had in a variety of popular calibers for pistols and rifles. Common calibers such as
9mm,
.223,
.45 ACP, and
5.56 are easily found in frangible form.
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Steel Targets are Ultimately a Wear Item
One should be mindful of the fact that steel targets are ultimately a wear item. Over time, even when proper practices are adhered to, steel targets will begin to exhibit wear and tear. This wear tends to manifest in the form of craters, cracks, and dents in the target body. Obviously, cracks and other missing material can compromise the overall integrity of the unit. Depending on where this damage occurs, one can even see the target break or begin to split. This is especially common on parts of targets that interface with stands and hanging hardware.
These deformations can also have an impact on a target’s ability to effectively absorb the energy of impacting projectiles and deflect bullets. An uneven surface will absorb the impulse of a projectile ineffectively and ultimately change how the target responds to being shot. Deformations can also create small angles and disruptions in the target which can increase the chance of ricochets. The more deformed and damaged a target becomes, the less safe it is at the end of the day. One should monitor this wear and be ready to replace targets as necessary.
Conclusion
All in all, these are some important things to keep in mind when shooting steel targets. These types of targets are assets to shooters and are particularly useful when employed properly. Shooters of all types, whether casual, competitive, or an armed professional, stand to benefit from the safe use of steel targets. While we here at True Shot Ammo do not carry any steel targets for sale, we do offer a wide range of ammo for sale. This inventory of ammo spans popular calibers and gauges such as
9mm,
.223,
12 gauge, and
.22 LR. Whether you are looking to purchase training ammo or want to buy bulk ammo, we have got you covered. As always, happy shooting.
