07-03-2018, 11:53 PM
The min safety distance for shooting steel with long guns at my old workplace is 50M and no steel penetrators permitted. Lead tip/low loads were sourced as the preferred practise load. No closer than 7M for handgun rds using lead-only. I think IPSC handgun rules is 10M, again for lead only, no jacketed rds. Watch deflection hazard targets like steel 44gal drums where the bullet enters one side and is deflected in a half circle around the inside only to exit another hole back towards the firer. You can hang targets on a slight angle to encourage splash down to avoid chewing-up your target stand (especially useful if using permanent target frames. The quality/type of steel is a big issue here. I recommend sourcing hardened 'AR500' steel that is at least 0.4" thick. 1/2" even better. Not only does it last longer than stock steel it avoids getting chewed to the point it becomes a deflection hazard.
In my experience targets stands get damaged eventually so accept you will need to replace them. Chains used to suspend targets will get cut. Welds will break off from impact shock. I prefer rubber to suspend the target. It doesn't shatter on impact. Mild steel rebar and PVC conduit is cheap, easily sourced and replaced frame material. Plenty of portable target stand ideas on Youtube.
In my experience targets stands get damaged eventually so accept you will need to replace them. Chains used to suspend targets will get cut. Welds will break off from impact shock. I prefer rubber to suspend the target. It doesn't shatter on impact. Mild steel rebar and PVC conduit is cheap, easily sourced and replaced frame material. Plenty of portable target stand ideas on Youtube.