Hardened steel targets for rifle

[KaNaPaPi]

Found a easily obtainable source for steel targets. Go to any implement store or tractor supply. Most bush-hog blades are made from hardened steel. I picked up one earlier today made from 5160 spring steel, hardened to RC38-44. It's about 6" X 14" with a hole already cut to attach chains. 5/8" thick as well. I have painted it fluorescent pink. Will hang it up soon so I can hear it GONG!

I paid $30 for it. Could have shopped around and found one cheaper...but, I was there, and it was begging me to buy it.

http://www.tractorsupply.com/flat-rotary-grass-cutting-blade-12-in--1216214

[Motasyco]

Thanks for the tip. I've been looking for something like this. Tractor Supply website says $39.99 "In select stores only". I'll check out Co-op, they're closer.

[AdotOdot4]

Anyone know how 5160 compares to AR500/550 that you normally see for targets?

[Motasyco]

[quote name='AdotOdot4' timestamp='1354845761' post='856195']
Anyone know how 5160 compares to AR500/550 that you normally see for targets?
[/quote]

Good question.

[Spots]

AR500 is very hard and abrasion resistant. Its used for super heavy duty stuff, like dump truck beds. That said 5160 quenched in oil at non-magnetic will be hard as a rock, but it may shatter if you get it that hard. You could temper it back some and still have 55-62 RC hardness and it'd probably take almost as much as AR500. Just a fyi you could go to a junkyard and buy a pack of truck springs, and those will be anywhere from 2-4' long or longer, 3/8" thick or more, and 50-55 rc hardness. And you can probably get an old pack for $20 which can include 5-7 indivdual springs. Edited December 7, 2012 by Spots

[peejman]

5160 should have lower impact strength than AR500 based solely on its higher carbon content. But I can't find any data (from a credible source) to compare that particular property. Otherwise, they're pretty similar for target gong purposes.

[KaNaPaPi]

I'll fire a few .308 rounds at it from 100 yards and see what happens....won't be able to shoot again until next tuesday.

[Guest Errokk]

Best thing I've found is to go to a local tractor repair shop and buy the old Bush hog blades they've replaced for next to nothing. They work well.

You want fries with that!? Edited December 7, 2012 by Errokk

[KaNaPaPi]

Been a while since I've posted about the new targets.  I've fired 22LR, 9MM, .223, .308, .30-06, 300 Win Mag and 45-70 at the bushhog blades.  No breaks, no dents...just have to repaint them quite often.  You can hear them from 200 meters away.  You definitely know if you've hit them.

[RED333]

I have a piece of rail road track, no worries Spots it did not get hurt, I shoot at the bottom of it.

[Spots]

I have a piece of rail road track, no worries Spots it did not get hurt, I shoot at the bottom of it.

 

Lmao. I've been eyening a couple pieces Ive got here. Care to post your setup so I can see how you hung them?

[Guest Phizzle99GST]

I've ordered some AR500 steel targets from Wideners out in East TN. Prices seem good. There is also a guy in Lascassas, TN that makes AR500 steel targets at his home. Cant remember his name, if it comes to me or I find his card i'll post it up here.

here is the link for Wideners: http://www.wideners.com/

[quietmike]

There is also a guy in Lascassas, TN that makes AR500 steel targets at his home. Cant remember his name, if it comes to me or I find his card i'll post it up here.

Is this him?
http://www.innovativetargets.net/targets.php

[Guest Phizzle99GST]

Is this him?
http://www.innovativetargets.net/targets.php

yup, the name sounds familiar. I believe his name is Jason. I've been there once, he was building his first tree. I wanted to run a couple ideas by him at the turn of the year but he was busy at the time. Then things got busy for me, so I plan on contacting him this spring.

thanks for the link, now I don't have to search for his card. Met him at a gun show in Nashville.