1/2" AR 500 plate and 338 Lapua???

[gohring3006]

What's the closest one would want to shoot 1/2" AR 500 plate with a 338 Lapua and not damage it?
I have quite a bit of money rapped up in my steel and don't want to ruin it.
Thanks.

 

[CA48]

We have been shooting 1/2 ar500 as close as 350 yards with a 300gr Berger at 2785fps and had no problems after many hits, I have also put a few shots on a 3/8 in plate at 400 yards with no problems.

 

[gohring3006]

We have been shooting 1/2 ar500 as close as 350 yards with a 300gr Berger at 2785fps and had no problems after many hits, I have also put a few shots on a 3/8 in plate at 400 yards with no problems.

Thanks!!!
That is the info I'm looking for.
I hate to ruin the plates...

 

[4xforfun]

I use 3/8 AR-500 and shoot as close as 300 yards with my 338 Edge. 300 Berger at 2840. Not a lick of damage!!

 

[Kansaswoodguy]

Steel Target Selection for Sniper's Hide - SnipersHide.com Forums - Scout

There is really good info on steel targets in this thread from the Hide

 

[gohring3006]

Steel Target Selection for Sniper's Hide - SnipersHide.com Forums - Scout

There is really good info on steel targets in this thread from the Hide

That's a good read. Thanks

 

[Dgd6mm]

Tag

 

[jimbires]

tag

 

[Bravo 4]

I have about the same experience as others that have posted, 3/8" at 350 + will be ok for quite a while. This is with 300 grain lead core bullets (Matchkings and Bergers) from an Edge and RUM. It will also depend on the bullet's makeup and velocity. My .408 Cheytac will not penetrate 3/8" at 100 yards with my standard load of a 415 gr Cutting Edge MTH @ 2900 fps, just leaves a little divet. But add another 100 fps and it will do damage, as in penetrating.
The more the plate is restricted from movement the more damage it can cause as well.

 

[TXAoudadKlr]

My local range has 3/8 plates at 400 yards that's allowed to swing. Takes shots from 50bmg's just fine. Over time though due to shear volume and that the plate has a bow in it caused the shoulder piece to break off.

 

[Kansaswoodguy]

My buddy shot one of our 3/8" AR500 targets at 400yds with his 50 BMG it was a 12" round that after one hit bowed like a dinner plate it was so cupped. I would not use a 50 BMG on 3/8 that close.

 

[Schnyd112]

From my experience, speed kills steel. My .220 swift at 4000 fps would go through 3/8" like butter (unless my plate is not actually ar500) On the other hand, my .260 at 2850 doesn't even mark the same plate.

 

[Bravo 4]

From my experience, speed kills steel. My .220 swift at 4000 fps would go through 3/8" like butter (unless my plate is not actually ar500) On the other hand, my .260 at 2850 doesn't even mark the same plate.

I believe this to be true as well. My .30-06 with a 175 grain MatchKing going right at 2,800 fps my will just knock paint off, but a 150 grainer going 3,000 fps my will go right through at 100 yards.
My .408 with a soft copper 415 grain Cutting Edge @ 2900 fps mv won't penetrate (will at 3,000) but my .338 Ultra mag with 300 grain MatchKings or Bergers will knock a hole through even @ 2,700 fps mv.
There are several factors that can cause it, including velocity and bullet construction.

 

[Jakeleg]

Can't comment on ar500 but I bought a 4x8 sheet of ar400 and cut our targets out of it and from 280 to 1070 yes and everything takes it pretty good big 7mm 195s,and 338s but I don't think we be actually shot the 280 with the 338s but every thing else gets pounded