How close is safe w/ Steel Targets?

[MMH]

How close is safe shooing pistol on swinging steel targets? Obviously, I would be using safety/shooting glasses. Plan on shooting 22LR, 9mm & 45ACP & would probably shoot mild steel plate & not AR500.

[Hawk]

Typically 7 yards minimum with AR500. If the 9mm and 45 doesn't dimple the mild steel, then 7 yards too. Even at 7 yards, using jacketed bullets, there is a chance of a jacket coming back at you.

[Urban_Redneck]

I would step back 10 yards. Even at 10y ricochets sting and can put out an eye, wear safety glasses.

[daschnoz]

Instead of steel, would plastic be an option?

http://www.newboldtargets.com

You won't get the "ding" from plastic, but you also won't catch any frag either.

[RobW]

I would step back 10 yards. Even at 10y ricochets sting and can put out an eye, wear safety glasses.

No doubt. I've had bits of bullets break the skin on more than one occasion at IDPA/USPSA matches over the years, all nominally over 10yds. away.

[BenFoo]

Most, if not all, AR500 based targets say 10y for pistols. Im not sure id want to shoot mild steel. You may have two things to worry about richocheting at that point.

Most of the 9mm i use almost fully "explodes" on impact. It kinda sounds like somone throws a handful of sand in the air after the ding. 45 doesnt have the same velocity and does not react the same way IME. Ive had a few ricochets with 45 (230g).

[robert slabaugh]

Angle the target down to the ground, top being closer to you to minimize any ricochet.

[Pizza Bob]

Minimum distance in IDPA is 10 yards

[filgun11]

The closest I shot AR500 steel is 7 yards. I reload so I use plated bullets, which are softer than jacketed, so it just disintegrates when it hits the steel. Occasionally, a fragment will ricochet. It doesn't hurt, but it kinda stings, so you'll know.

But I shoot normally at 15 to 25 yards, and sometimes 50 yards (because it is harder and requires more concentration).... and at these distances, fragments ricochet is not an issue.

[41 Redhawk]

Several years ago a NRA metallic silhouette rule change moved the chicken targets from 25 meters to 40 meters because of bounce back problems.