3 Best AR500 Steel Targets From Caldwell Shooting

There are dozens of companies that sell some form of AR500 steel for everything from snow-plows and body armor to shooting targets and armor for vehicles. If you’re anything like me, you’ve seen the name AR500 steel plastered all over the internet. Unfortunately, most people don’t even know what AR500 steel is and what it means. Shooting targets can be a great asset to improve your effectiveness at the range and be more prepared if you ever have to use your gun to defend yourself or your family.

This blog is going to give you 3 different targets that every shooter with both pistols and rifles can use effectively and most importantly, safely. If you haven’t heard of Caldwell, they specialize in AR500 steel shooting targets and everything else you’d need for the range. I chose these 3 targets because they’re the most cost-effective, practical, and safe targets I’ve used.

What is AR500 Steel?

Abrasion-Resistant (AR) 500 steel is the most common type of steel used in steel targets because of its high Brinell Hardness Number (BHN). It’s incredibly hard and can withstand years of punishment on the range before ever having to replace them. AR500 is named for the BHN, which is right around 500, which is one of the hardest metals we could use for target practice.

Why Does the Distance From the Target Matter?

For anyone who’s ever shot steel targets, the biggest worry for most of us is the ricochet and getting shot by your own bullet. I’ve shot steel targets for many years, mainly in the military, and have had dozens of rounds come back at me. I’ve had bullets come within a foot of my head as I lay prone and could have easily could have been killed by my own hand.

The point of that story is to alert all potential shooters that you need to be safe and smart. If you’re shooting a handgun, I wouldn’t shoot a steel target anything closer than about 10-12 yards. The higher caliber rifles, such as my 30-06, I wouldn’t stand closer than 50 yards and even that is a little close for comfort. I recommend shooting steel targets with rifles at 100 yards to be safe. Plus, most shots in the hunting world are taken between 50-100 yards, in my experience.

Does the Type of Bullet Matter with Steel Targets?

Absolutely! The best ammo to use on the range is frangible ammo because it breaks up upon impact and will never ricochet. I’d never shoot at a steel target with M855 ammo or anything that has a steel or copper jacket. Those bullets might be great for hunting or self-defense, but they can penetrate steel and/or cause ricochets that can be harmful to you and anyone else on the range.

1. Magnum Rifle Swing

The Caldwell Magnum Rifle Swing is a great buy due to its versatility with the number of calibers it can handle. This specific AR500 steel target is rated to withstand up to a .308 Winchester at 150 yards. The most important feature for a steel target is to avoid penetration, abrasion, and deformation. Any one of these issues can ruin your steel target within a single day at the range.

The Caldwell Magnum Rifle Swing has taken dozens of bullets from my 30-06, 9mm, and .45 ACP. The frame of the target is 18" off the ground and the swinger steel target is 10.5" to the center. This provides a realistic view at 100 yards for small game animals, such as deer, turkey, and coyotes. The frame is made of a urethane steel cast to provide a base for the steel target.

Does the Steel Thickness Matter?

Yes! for any kind of rifle shooting, you’re going to want a 3/8" steel (at least). Anything less and you’re likely to cause deformation of the plate, rendering it useless. Even though this magnum plate can handle a .308 Winchester, it’s not good for the heavy .300 Win Mag or 7mm Rem Mag. Personally, I wouldn’t shoot a steel target with my 7mm Rem Mag unless it’s a 5/8" steel plate because it will just penetrate or leave crack the plate within a few shots.

Is the Magnum Rifle Swing Durable?

As an owner of the Magnum Rifle Swing plate, I have heard a lot about how the crossbar is weak and breaks after a couple of shots. I haven’t had any problems, but I also replaced mine with a 1/2" re-bar that I got from Lowes. You can get a 1/2" re-bar at almost any hardware store, including Lowes, Home Depot, and most Tractor Supply stores. Once you add the re-bar, this steel shooting target is incredibly reliable, durable, and fun to shoot.

2. AR500 IPSC Steel Shooting Target

This is actually my favorite target for competitive shooters and people who want to train shooting at a human-sized silhouette. In case you’re not familiar with the International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC), it’s an organization that competes in shooting pistols, shotguns, rifles, and air-soft guns. Some of the best shooters in the world compete for thousands of dollars in prizes and bragging rights for each year.

Caldwell specifically designed this target to be in compliance with what you’ll see at the IPSC competitions. The Caldwell IPSC target comes in 3 sizes for all different shooting competitions.

Full-Size ISPC– 30" Lx18.25" W.  It’s meant for all styles of shooting and skill levels. I love the full-size target to train and work on my speed shooting with.

33% ISPC- 10" L x 6.1" W. The 33% ISPC is great for honing in your pistol accuracy on a smaller target. Using this steel target will allow you to work on your precision and speed. Shooting with the 10" target will give you the closest to the actual ISPC mini target of 14". I like to train with smaller targets because I know if I can rapidly hit a 10" target at 25 yards, I can light up a 14" target at the same range.

66% ISPC- 20" L x 12" W. The standard target for the ISPC shooting competitions is 22" long and is very close to the size and shape of the Caldwell IPSC shooting target. This is the perfect size to train with all of your competition guns, including your rifle, shotgun, and pistol. If you can hone in your accuracy with the 20" target, the 22" target will be like shooting at the broad side of a barn.

What Are the Ratings for the ISPC Steel Shooting Target?

On the back of the target, it will say what calibers you can use on this target and not break it or risk injury. However, to ensure you’re aware of the ratings, each size target can withstand a bullet at 3,000 ft/sec with an impact velocity of 3,500 ft-lb. This is good for any AR-15, handgun, or hunting rifle lower than a .308 Winchester.

3. AR500 8" Caldwell C Gong

There are not many things that you can shoot that are more fun than a gong. The ping and reverberation give you the satisfaction that will make you smile every time. It’s also great for knowing if you hit your target, especially at distances. However, with an 8" long gong, you might not be able to shoot much more than 100 yards or so with a rifle.

The Caldwell AR500 8" Gong is able to handle the same calibers as every other AR500 steel target and is rated to withstand a bullet impact with a 3,000 ft/sec velocity. I prefer this Gong when I’m trying to challenge myself with my 30-06 because, at 100 yards, 8" becomes very difficult to hit without great fundamentals and concentration. It’s also great for heavier caliber pistol work at 25-50 yards.

If you’re interested in learning more about what to bring to the range, check out our blogs below

• Definitive Guide to Caldwell XLA Bipod
• Best Shooting Rests | Rifles and Pistols
• Benefits of Shooting From The Caldwell Lead Sled Solo
• Top 5 Must-Have Gun Range Products

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