Question about reactive steel targets

[Devonai]

I've used commercially-produced reactive steel targets before, but I happened upon a used 12" Mitre-saw blade and my first thought (naturally) was whether or not it would be a good reactive target.

Let's say I hang it from a frame like a Japanese gong:

\_/
.O

What do you think the minimum safe distance would be for 9x19mm, 5.56mm, or 00 Buck?

 

[Devonai]

Wow, I've never posted a conversational thread without receiving any replies! Am I in a Right Guard commercial?

In case anybody cares, I used the blade at 125 yards. For .223, both 55 grain FMJ and JHP sailed right through. The sound it made wasn't different enough from the sound of the round striking the backstop, so it wasn't really worth it. 155 grain .40 was much louder, but the blade shattered after two hits.

 

[garrett1955]

I once made a reactive steel target out of 1/4 in. plate steel. this was two weeks ago might I add. lol anyhow we were shooting from 50-75 yds with the .22 LR super fun. the .22 just left splats of lead on the plate. then we busted out the AK, and the 30-06. it was hellafun, but the 30-06 put holes right through it. and the 7.62x39 made it through most of the time(it was 154 gr. soft point wolf.). it seemed safe enough from that distance.

now the saw blade.... humm thin it is. stainless??? i would shoot it at 50yds or greater. with a .22 mabee bigger if you want to punch holes in it.


have fun...