It varies for me. I got a hold of some lifesize silhouette targets. I like top put Bin Ladens or Saddam's face on em and give them hell once in a while. I have a lot of different targets I can print off and I try to use them in different drills and for training aids.
shoot n c, clays, junk shotshell hulls, and my favorite is balloons, 40 pack is like a dollar, staple them to the target board and you are garuanteed to see a hit!..Oh and DUCKS...LOTS OF DUCKS!!!
The NRA prohibits the use of "human" type targets and only allows targets up to the "tombstone" type. Therefore, for NRA classes I use plain letter-type paper with 6-inch circles and Xs in the middle--can get copies for six cents.
An 8 1/2 by 11 sheet of paper turned sideways approximates the size of the thoracic cavity, and the 6" circle in the middle would be excellent defensive accuracy.
For non-NRA classes, I use a silhouette target I made on Microsoft Publisher with point values based on how effective hits to a particular region would be in physiological incapacitation. I have these printed at the same copy shop, but at 18" x 24", they are more expensive--about $1.50 each!
i usualy use a cardboard cut out like a silloette for pistol and for rifle i use paper target like bullseye or some thing similar or even a paper plate stapled to cardboard works !
These. I usually put paper plates or regular targets on the head and torso, so I can see where I'm hitting. There is also a cool sound when you hit them.
For plinking, jugs of water. Sometimes with a few drops of food coloring for effect. Sometimes zombie headshot targets....what? You have to give yourself some variety every now and then...
I have a board that I put about 20 clay pigeons on and use them for handgun and rifle, you can get very far away and still tell if you hit one looking with the scope. They are cheap and you get the gratification of seeing them brake up.
Paper plates with a circle for an aiming point for the rifle, half size b-21's or something similar for defensive handgun work.
For an afternoon shooting 22's, there is a pile of pop cans by the target that get set along a log .