Shooting Steel Targets...Ricochet?

[indyjoe]

There is always this :

YouTube - Guy hit in head with .50 caliber ricochet

Every time I watch that to the end I get a chuckle.

"We're not doin' that any more." Ya, think?

Good thing it hit the ground first to take out some energy. It sounds like the spin on the bullet might have added to the wallop.

 

[esrice]

Some basic rules that will help you shoot steel targets safetly--

For pistols use grade AR400 or AR500.

For rifles use grade AR500.

If you're going to use a lesser grade, I would only shoot them at longer distances, and I would expect to replace them as they become worn.

Sticking with AR500 for all your steel targets is the best way to go IMO.

As already mentioned, INGOers have Bobcat Steel right at their disposal.

 

[AccuRat]

I've found that tilting the steel targets slightly toward the shooter will cause the bullets to deflect into the ground. We have a soft dirt berm we put our targets on and with the angled targets, all the lead/copper goes right into the soft dirt, further diminishing the ricochet possibility. Even with a 10-15 degree forward tilt, there's plenty of target area to shoot at and an and additional margin of safety.