Frequently Asked Questions
What type of firearms can i use with your AR500 targets. Collapse
The best type of target depends on your exact gun. Our targets are suitable for pistols, shot guns, and rifles. Check out the target selection guide below for your specific firearm.
- Minimum Distance for pistols is 10 yards.
- Always wear eye protection when shooting steel targets
- Do not use ammo with steel or armor piercing ammo.
- Minimum distance for rifles is 100 yards with AR500 and 50 yards with AR550 and 20 degree mounting.
- Speed must be below 3000FPS muzzle to avoid pitting on AR500.
- **3000FPS and above require longer distances (125 yards) or more to avoid pitting on AR500, 50 yards or more with AR550.
Pistols
| Ammo Type | 3/8″ AR500 | 1/2″ AR500/AR550 |
| 22LR | Yes | Yes |
| 380 | Yes | Yes |
| 9MM | Yes | Yes |
| 357 MAG | Yes | Yes |
| 40 | Yes | Yes |
| 45 ACP | Yes | Yes |
| 44 MAG | Yes | Yes |
| 50 S&W | Yes | Yes |
Shotguns
| Ammo Type | AR500 | AR550 |
| 410 Slug | Yes | Yes |
| 20 G Slug | Yes | Yes |
| 12 G Slug | No | Yes |
Rifles
| Ammo Type | AR500 | AR550 |
| 22LR | Yes | Yes |
| 17HMR | Yes | Yes |
| 22-250** | Yes | Yes |
| 223/5.56** | Yes | Yes |
| 7.62×51 | Yes | Yes |
| 243 | Yes | Yes |
| 270 | Yes | Yes |
| 30-06 | Yes | Yes |
| 308 | Yes | Yes |
| 7mm | No | Yes |
| 300 WM | No | Yes |
| 338 LAP | No | Yes |
Do I have to worry about richochets on an AR500 Target Expand
Most ammo will deflect downward on a properly mounted AR500 target. Steel targets should be made from quality AR500 steel and preferably laser cut as to maintain the hardness of the Ar500 steel. Steel targets should be mounted at a 20% downward angle and be able to move freely, not fastened tightly to the mount. In general, bullets do not bounce back or ricochet. This does not mean, however, they never will, so always wear safety glasses and never use a steel target with big gouges or craters on it.
Do thicker AR500 targets hold up better against pitting Expand
No. Pitting happens when the bullet strikes the target with too much heat intensity, causing the steel to fall out due to rapid expansion and contraction and creating a pit. The main cause of intense heat is ammo velocities that are too high impacting the target. Adding steel core or armor piercing rounds into the mix with too high of velocities at short distances will create dangerous craters in your target that can cause ricochets.
What’s the difference between AR500 and AR550 steel?
AR550 steel is harder than AR500, offering better resistance to pitting, cratering, and wear—especially under high-velocity rifle rounds like 5.56 and .308. While AR500 is excellent for pistols and general use, AR550 is ideal for shooters who demand longer-lasting targets. If you’re using rifles frequently or shooting at closer distances, AR550 is the better long-term investment.
How can I get the most “ring” from my AR500 targets? Expand
Larger and thinner targets will ring louder than smaller thicker ones. Also, mounting a target properly will make a target ring louder, last longer and be much safer. Targets should be mounted at a 20% downward angle and hang loosely so they can move freely, absorbing the energy from the ammo. Please check the installation instructions in our FAQ to ensure your mount assembly is correct.
Why am I pitting AR500 targets with my AR-15? Expand
An AR-15 with a 16″ barrel at 100 yards using 55g ammo is right at the limits of AR500 steel at that distance. Any ammo with steel or steel core will likely pit an AR500 steel target at distances closer than 125 yards. If you would like to shoot as close as 50 yards with your AR-15, check out our stronger AR550 line.
Do you guys offer a military, law enforcement or first responder discount? Expand
If you are an active/retired military personnel, in law enforcement or are a 1st responded, we would like to honor you with a discount on our products.
To receive your discount code please fill out your our submission form or email us a copy of your military id, DD214, business card or email us from your professional email address at support@rangetimetargets.com to receive your discount code.
Do you make custom AR500 targets? Expand
No, not currently. The only targets we have for sale are in our shop.
Do you have any AR500 coupon codes? Expand
We send out coupon codes through our newsletter, our Facebook page and our Instagram from time to time. Please keep checking in with our social media or sign up for future promotions.
Do you warranty your AR500 products? Expand
Yes! We stand behind our products 100% and strive for 100% customer satisfaction. To be covered under our return policy, targets must be used within the recommended guidelines on the instruction brochure included with every target set. Reading the assembly instructions provided with each order is up to you. If you need another copy of instructions, please email us at support@rangetimetargets.com.
What is the different between AR500 vs AR550?
Can I shoot 5.56 at AR500 steel?
Yes, but from a minimum safe distance of 100 yards and with the target angled correctly.
Is AR550 overkill for handguns?
AR500 is sufficient for handguns, but if you want targets that last longer under mixed-caliber use, AR550 is a smart investment.
Is 3/8″ AR550 as good as 1/2″ AR500?
In many cases, yes. 3/8″ AR550 performs better against rifle rounds while reducing target weight.
When to Choose Each
| Use Case | Recommended Steel |
| Recreational pistol shooting | AR500 (3/8″) |
| Pistol and occasional rifle use | AR500 (1/2″) |
| Frequent high-velocity rifle shooting | AR550 (1/2″) |
| Weight savings with maximum durability | AR550 (1/2″) |
Do you have a question of your own?
