Whether you’re an active hunter, hobbyist, or competitive shooter, the type of targets you choose can make a huge difference in your wallet, proficiency shooting, and capability.
I’m sure I’m not the only one buying Splatterburst targets when trying to zero a rifle. If I’m right, then we could all agree that paper targets can be too expensive if shooting year-round.
I decided that if I’m going to be shooting year-round with pistols, rifles, and shotguns, I needed a more sustainable target. I looked for 3 metal targets that I could use for my entire collection. I found the Caldwell AR500 Steel Targets to be the best metal shooting targets for my pistol, shotgun, and rifles.
I always look for 3 features in a metal shooting target before I buy, because I know if I shoot the wrong target with a heavier bullet, I’ll destroy the target and void the warranty for not following directions. First, always make sure you know what the target is rated for so you know which guns to use on each target.
Second, I always check what type of metal the target is made from. Finally, how much is the metal target versus its competition? With those 3 features in mind, Caldwell will save you the most money, they’re made from very rigid AR500 steel, and clearly label their targets for easy identification.
Why is AR500 Steel Popular in Shooting targets?
AR500 Steel is popular because it’s rigid steel that maintains its durability more than Copper and is often more affordable, as well. When people start comparing metals, the only fair comparison is to judge based on the official authority on metals.
The Brinell Scale is one of the most commonly used tools to measure the hardness of steel. The Brinell Hardness Number (BHN) is used to give a metal sample a quantified grading system.
AR500 steel has been processed to strengthen steel to improve the rigidity and strength by more than double of highly processed stainless steel used in many commercial applications (235 BHN).
The best part about AR500 steel is it’s abrasion-resistant, so you won’t ruin the target with excessive use. I just have a can of yellow spray paint that I use to cover the target after it’s been hit with heavy rifle rounds for anything over 200 rounds.
To keep me from getting in over my head with the physics of measuring hardness, I’ll share with you the rating scale so you have an idea of why a higher BHN is needed for some calibers, while a lower BHN is viable for smaller calibers. As you can see from the tables below, a BHN of 500 is capable of withstanding over 6,000 lbs of force, which is more than 3x the force of a heavy 220 Gr 30-06 bullet (3,300 ft-lbf).
Brinell Hardness Number (BHN)
Load (LBS)
160-600
6,613.87
80-300
3,306.93
26-100
1,102.31
Best Pistol Steel Target
I use the Caldwell Handgun Resetting Target for my Walther & Glock 9mm, my Springfield 1911 Loaded (.45 ACP), and my .22 LR. I personally wouldn’t try to shoot a magnum (.44 Mag or .357 Mag) on these targets, especially the way a .45 ACP hits the target. For my Walther PPS M2 and Glock 48, These targets are a great way to work on your transitions while shooting and get instant feedback with each shot.
Shooting paper targets is great for zeroing in your guns, but they’re not nearly as much fun as the sound a bullet makes when hitting the gong. The instant feedback of the metal target allows me to know exactly how many bullets hit the target.
What really makes this metal handgun target fun is the resetting of the target after you hit it with a bullet. The resetting target works by allowing you to shoot the bottom 2 targets, forcing them to swing up and out of the way. To reset the targets to drop them back, you simply shoot the top target and the 2 bottom targets fall back into place.
What is My favorite Shooting Drill With the Caldwell Handgun Resetting Target?
The Failure to Stop drill is the best shooting drill for the Caldwell Resetting Handgun Target. For those not sure what this drill is, it’s 3 total shots with 2 center mass and 1 shot to the head.
It’s intended to train you if you encounter an assailant that will not stop moving toward you. If you train to shoot center mass and 1 shot to the head, you’ll be able to stop any assailant with 3 shots.
The Caldwell Resetting Handgun target is great because it has 2 shots at a lower level with a 3rd shot up high. It resets after the headshot so you can work through your magazine with 3-shot increments.
Best Rifle-Rated Steel Target
I chose the Caldwell AR500 8" Gongas my favorite rifle target because it’s very affordable, it’s rated to stop projectiles at 3,500 ft-lbf with a bullet velocity of up to 3,000 FPS. To put it in perspective a 30-06 bullet is right around 2,850 FPS, which means the 8" AR500 steel gong is cleared for rifles up to a 30-06 (7.62x63mm). All AR500 steel targets from Caldwell are 3/8" thick and rated for rifles, shotguns, and handguns.
How Do I Know Which Rifle Calibers I Can Safely Use?
I reached out to Caldwell customer service and as always, I got a quick response and clear answer to which calibers I can shoot and can’t shoot. The 2 things that matter most in deciding if you’re rifle caliber is too strong are impact velocity and energy. Muzzle velocity doesn’t matter when we’re talking about steel targets.
Can I Safely Shoot a 7mm Rem Mag and 30-06 at Caldwell Steel Targets?
Personally, I don’t shoot my AR-15 a lot because most of my focus is on my hunting rifles, shotguns, and CCWs. I have a Bergara Premier Highlander, chambered in 7mm Rem Mag, and a 30-06 Winchester Model 70. If I can’t shoot my steel gongs with my rifles, it’s no good to me.
Fortunately, with every AR500 steel target from Caldwell, I can shoot both of my hunting rifles with no problems, as long as I prepare correctly. For example, if I’m shooting with my hunting rifles, I need to place the target at least 100 yards, but to be safe, I always place them 200-250 yards away. If it’s impact velocity and energy that matter most, the further the shot is the less impact energy and velocity the bullet will have.
You can get the 8" AR500 gong for as low as $26.99 on Amazon right now with free 2-day shipping for Prime members. The price is what got me interested and the versatility is what made me stay. If you wanted only 1 target to buy, this rifle-rated target can handle any rifle, shotgun, or pistol you want to throw at it.
Most of the time when I’m shooting steel targets, I just use the 8" gong for convenience. Once I set up the gong, I can transition from my pistol to hunting rifles and only have to change the distance.
One thing to consider is buying 2-3 of the 8" gongs and having them set up at different distances to really step up your range game. I’ll get into some awesome ways to set up a home range within the next couple of weeks.
What is my favorite Shooting Drill with the Caldwell AR500 8" Gong Target?
The Up Drill is my favorite drill for the 8" gong because it’s all about fundamentals. I know that even though many people in the comments section are a cross between Jason Bourne and Chris Kyle, practicing the fundamentals is important to me, especially with my AR. The Up drill is a very simple drill that works on safety, target acquisition, and trigger pull.
You can use a buzzer to follow and work on your cadence of shooting or just keep it in your head as I do. Take one shot at the target, switch your safety on and bring your rifle back down to your side. Doing hundreds of these reps will increase your proficiency and muscle memory for best practices.
While preparing for both of my OIF tours, we did this drill hundreds of times each day. It gets boring and redundant after a while, but it for sure made me a better warfighter with quicker target acquisition and safer handling.
Which Stand is Best for the AR500 Steel Targets?
The Caldwell Magnum Rifle Swinger with AR500 Steel construction is the best shooting stand to safely and properly secure your gong targets. The target stand sits 18" off the ground with 5" thick alloy steel legs and a top bar for durability.
The most important feature for a target stand is the durability if a shot is missed and hits the frame. Luckily for me, the steel frame can take a shot (not recommended) and not crumble like many other targets stand you’ll find online.
If you ever happen to shoot out the legs from multiple hits with rifle-caliber bullets, you can easily replace the legs with 1/2" rebar, which can be found relatively cheap at your department stores near you.
I love the overall weight of 2.2 lbs for the entire frame because I have to walk 200 yards while carrying the frame and target to place on the range. The frame is sturdy and doesn’t wobble when the high wind hits it like many other target stands I’ve tried before.
The Caldwell AR500 ISPC targets are specifically designed for the competitive shooter in mind. I have the full-size ISPC target because I like to shoot with my hunting rifles at ranges up to 600 yards. The Full-size steel target is an absolute beast, weighing 48 lbs, 30" long, and 18.25" wide. Shooting this target at ranges of 400-600 yards is perfect for me because the impact velocity is slowed down enough to barely scrape the paint of the target.
How is the Caldwell Steel Gong an ISPC Target?
The 3 sizes of the targets and the rifle-rated steel are what make these targets accepted training targets for competitors in the ISPC. The ISPC targets come in 33%(10" L x 6.1" W x 0.4" D), 66% (20" L x 12" W x 0.4" D), and Full-Size(30" L x 18.25" W x 0.4" D). When using metal targets in competition, the ISPC will disqualify you for not having a well-supported range target. For example, if the wind blows over your target, it will be classified as an equipment failure and you forfeit the match. The AR500 Steel from Caldwell is sturdy, secure, and won’t fall over after a shot.
Why Choose the Caldwell AR500 IPSC Style target?
If you’re a competitive shooter, training with the correct size targets is instrumental in your success. You can look through the rules and guidelines for the ISPC metal targets (4.3) to understand more about why the Caldwell targets are perfect for competition training. Being able to practice on targets that are accepted for competition will give you the confidence that you need to compete and show the world what you have.
What is my favorite Shooting Drill with the Caldwell AR500 IPSC Target?
The Group Shooting Drill is my favorite drill with the ISPC targets because it allows me to work on my consistency with my trigger pull, control of the gun, and allows me to test all the equipment I get to review.
The Group shooting Drill is very easy with you setting the target at 25 yards and firing (rapidly) anywhere from 5 to 10 shots, depending on the gun I’m using. This drill is a lot of fun and has helped me work through my trigger pull issues with my CCWs and 1911. If you’re shooting an AR-15 or SBR, I would set the target back to 50 yards (at least). Once you get 3" groupings with all your shots, you’re ready to advance and work on more advanced drills.
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