Removing lead from gongs....

[wacki]

Ok so I've stopped using paper targets and I use AR500 steel gongs now. I love them as you hear the ping and instantly know you hit the target even if it's 100 yards away. One of the nice things about lead bullets is they leave almost a paintball like splatter on the steel plate. So they are in every way as good as or better than paper targets.

Question: What's the best way to remove the lead? The goal is to have a relatively pristine surface so you know where you hit the gong. I have a grinder and a wire brush. Just wondering if anyone else has come up with something better.

 

[D-Day]

Spray paint.

 

[bhk]

Spray paint.

Yep, what he said. If you ever shoot in a steel tournament or watch one on TV, you will see LOTS of spray paint used to create pristine shooting surfaces for each new round of shooters.

 

[hso]

wacki,

You do not want to use any power tool to remove the lead on your steel targets.

Take the advice given and just paint over the surface.

If you're shooting enough to build up lead on the surface that is a problem manually scrape the surface clean while wearing gloves and a dust mask. Do it outdoors while your targets are sitting in a large contractor garbage bag and then wet wipe them into the bag. Avoid creating any lead dust. Remember to wash up immediately.

 

[Lubricant]

Once you get the suface clean,Try spraying it with furniture wax.Several coats,and don't wipe it off.

 

[Murphy4570]

You could melt it off with a torch. Dunno if that's a good idea.

 

[CraigC]

Don't make it any harder than it has to be. Spray paint.

 

[wacki]

wacki,

You do not want to use any power tool to remove the lead on your steel targets.

Take the advice given and just paint over the surface.

If you're shooting enough to build up lead on the surface that is a problem manually scrape the surface clean while wearing gloves and a dust mask. Do it outdoors while your targets are sitting in a large contractor garbage bag and then wet wipe them into the bag. Avoid creating any lead dust. Remember to wash up immediately.

Every time I post a thread thinking it's going to be pointless someone comes along and replies with something very important/informative.

Thanks hso.