We have steel plate matches here once a week at ranges of sometimes 15 yards. When I used to help with the qualifications for the local PD years ago they would shoot steel even closer than that with FMJ ammo. I would say haveing non pitted steel would be more of a concern than the distance. Just my .02
The original poster was asking about rifles (300 Win Mag) if I understand it correctly. Not pistols...
But I have been wrong before!
John