Originally Posted by Showdog75
I'm wanting to make a few new targets out of AR plate. I can easily get 1/4" and I'm curious if anyone has used 1/4" AR plate for 300+ yard targets. Probably be cutting a 300,400, and 500 yard targets. My largest caliber right now is a 30-06 and possibly a buddy shooting a 300wsm. Will the 1/4" hold up at those distances or hold off and get 3/8" or 1/2"? Thanks


I did some testing with 1/4" plate using the 30-06 and 223 at 200 and 300 yards and put it on video.
What I noticed was the 30-06 with 150 gr bullets didn't do much damage but when I increased the bullet weight to 208 gr the 1/4" AR500 would dent at 300 yards.
Also, with repeated hits the steel plates will tend to warp over time and need to be reversed to keep this bending in check. Thicker steel is less prone to warp.
VELOCITY over 2800 fps at the target is what will damage steel by chipping and cratering.