More than 20 million Americans like to target shoot. A majority say it’s a great recreational family activity. Many see it as an opportunity to sharpen their defensive shooting skills or improve their marksmanship.

When you’re choosing a new target, you’ll need to keep several things in mind — most importantly, the caliber of your weapon. Shooters and spectators will also want to maintain proper distance for safety.

Shooting Targets USA manufactures all of its targets from USA Mill Certified AR500 steel that’s made by US company Alro Steel. AR500 steel has a minimum Brinell hardness of 477 because it’s tempered and abrasion resistant. In fact it’s used not just for targets, but for armored applications, truck plows, and more.

If you use a rifle, we recommend ⅜” AR500 targets. If you shoot long action or magnum caliber rifles, opt for a ½” AR500 target. If you’ve got a pistol that’s under 50 cal or a rifle that shoots smaller caliber rounds (under 5.56), choose a 3/16” or ¼” AR500 target.

These targets aren’t intended for BBs, steel shot, or air gun pellets. Don’t use ammunition that travels below 750 f.p.s. Using armor piercing (AP), steel core, steel jacket, bimetal jacket, tracers, and steel shot may cause injury or target damage.

Pistol Caliber
	Gong
	⅜”	¼”	½”	3/16”
pellet	X	X	X	X
22 LR	X	X	X	X
380	X	X	X	X
9mm	X	X	X	X
357 Mag	X	X	X
40	X	X	X
45 ACP	X	X	X
500 S&W	X		X
Rifle Caliber
	Gong
	⅜”	¼”	½”	3/16”
Pellet	X	X	X	X
22 LR	X	X	X	X
17 HMR	X	X	X	X
22-250	X	X	X
223/ 5.56	X		X
7.62	X		X
243	X		X
260	X		X
30-06	X		X
7mm			X
300 WM			X
Shotgun Caliber
	Gong
	⅜”	¼”	½”	3/16”
410 Slug	X	X	X
20 G Slug	X	X	X
12 G Slug			X

Heavy Rifle (50BMG, 416 Barrett)	600 yards minimum	⅜” thick AR500
Magnum & Varmint Rifle (.338 Lapua, 300WM, 243, 6.5 Swede, 270	200 yards minimum	⅜” thick AR500
Hunting (30-06, .308, 7.62x54R)	100 yards minimum	⅜” thick AR500
Intermediate rifle (7.62x.39, 30-30, magnum pistols .223)	100 yards minimum	⅜” thick AR500