Steel target
Steel targets are targets for firearms made out of hardened (martensitic) steel, and are used in sports such as cowboy action shooting, practical/dynamic shooting and for long range shooting, as well as recreational plinking. They are popular in both training and competitions because the shooter gets instant feedback on a hit in the form of sound, and one can also often see the bullet getting pulverized and the target moving. Hanging or self-reseting targets also have the advantage that the shooter doesn't have to go forward to tape the targets, making it a good option for shooting ranges that otherwise have electronic targets. Steel targets also are weather proof, contrary to paper targets that may not hold up when wet.
Precautions regarding ricochets
If correct precautions are taken, the chance of ricochets when shooting at steel targets are minimal. The materials of which both the target and bullets are constructed of should make the bullet pulverize on impact, and therefore hardened steel targets and regular lead core bullets should be used. Regular steel should be avoided for targets, and ammunition with armour piercing properties (i.e. steel or copper core) should also be avoided.
Furthermore it's important to shoot relatively perpendicular to the target - some even angle the target slightly downwards so that any ricochet will hit the ground.
Target material
As a safety precaution steel targets must be made out of hardened steel, which is more resistant to plastic deformation than regular, soft steel. For steel targets, the steel should have a Brinell value of 500 or more. One American producer of steel targets claims to only use steel with a hardness greater than 500, most often between 515-540. They also claim that the steel gets too brittle if higher Brinell values are used.[1] Hardened steel are available in different Brinell values or thicknesses, and stainless variants are also available. A common trademark in USA for hardened steel is AR500.
Regular steel is too soft, resulting in bullets either punching through the target or making a crater whereupon the bullet bounces back, often with great force. Even thick plates quickly get holes and craters if they are made of regular steel (i.e. 10 mm or 3/8").
Processing of the steel target
Many workshops have the tools to manufacture steel targets out of hardened steel, but it is important that it is done correctly. For instance plasma cutters can be used, but angle grinders or normal welding damages the hardening. Hard drill bits are also needed to cut holes.
Thickness and distance to the target
The required thickness of the target depends on the distance of which you're shooting from, steel quality, caliber, bullet type and bullet speed. It is often said that high velocity rounds more easily penetrates steel targets, meaning that faster bullets even of relatively small calibers or diameter are more likely to punch through a target.
Some manufacturers recommends at least 1/4" thichness (6.35 mm) with 500 Brinell value for pistol shooting with common calibres such as 9 mm, .40 S&W and .45 ACP, with a safety distance of 10 yards (approx. 10 m). For rifle shooting, some recommend at least 3/8" (9.525 mm) 500 Brinell steel, and different distances according to what caliber is used. For calibers like .223 and .308 at least 75 yards (approx. 70 m) has been suggested, and for larger and faster calibers such as 22-250, 30-06, 300 Win Mag or .338 Lapua 120-150 yards (approx. 110–140 m) has been suggested. Nevertheless the targets have been shot at from much closer without any problems.[1]
Bullet choice
Normal bullets with lead core must be used since they are pulverized upon hit, and the dust will then be spread out to the sides of the target. However, bullets with hard cores (like steel, copper or "bi-metal") are not pulverized and can either penetrate or ricochet, causing them to be potentially dangerous. Since lead isn't magnetic, competition organizers may use a magnet to check for the presence of a ferromagnetic core.
Fixing
Chains and shackles makes most sound and is the most popular method for fixing hanging targets. Ropes are quickly torn, but another alternative that lasts quite long are inner tubes of tires.[2]
Competition use
Practical shooting
In practical shooting administered by IPSC both cardboard and steel targets are used. Standarized steel targets called "poppers" are often used, but other forms and shapes can be used as long as they comply with the rules. The smallest sizes for respectively circular and square targets, both for rifle and pistols, are 15 cm Ø/ 15x15 cm, while the largest targets allowed for pistols are 30 cm Ø/ 30x30 cm and for rifles 30 cm Ø/ 45x30 cm.
IPSC Popper (formerly known as the Classic Popper).
IPSC Mini Popper (formerly known as the Classic Mini Popper).
Pepper Popper, now obsolete.
Mini Pepper Popper, now obsolete.