Safe to shoot steel with 12ga?

2-tap · 07-22-2012, 07:39

Purchased a ussg 12ga and i went to wally world and got a 100 round box of 7.5 shot just to play around with. Is it safe to shot my steel swinging plates with this?

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plouffedaddy · 07-22-2012, 07:58

Magpul Remington 870 MOE Forend Review - YouTube

^^I'm using 7.5 shot and #1 buck in the above video

I shoot steel at 10-25m with all my shotgun ammo except for slugs. Very safe. No issues.

Buffering · 07-22-2012, 10:30

Stay back 15+ yards because of splatter and avoid slugs because they tend to mangle steel, depending on thickness. Even if it doesn't punch through, it bends it. Otherwise, use all the buck and bird you want.

fasteddie565 · 07-22-2012, 10:42

I shoot 3/8" AR500 steel IPSC targets. The slugs do not make the slightest dent. I have seen lesser quality / thinner steel targets get pretty balled up however when shooting them with slugs. What type steel targets do you use?

I have found that you need to make sure the target can always move or swing to better absorb the energy of the projectile(s). Mine sit in a frame that allows them to rock back and forth on bolts at the shoulders. By design, they angle down towards the ground like a steel backstop.

Whatever you do, do not mount the steel so it is immobile. You will most assuredly catch ricochets.

I agree with buffering, 15 meters is a good distance for heavier projectiles. I see no real need to shoot slugs that close, I normally go back to 25-50 meters. YMMV

plouffedaddy · 07-22-2012, 12:07

Quote:

I have found that you need to make sure the target can always move or swing to better absorb the energy of the projectile(s).

I should have mentioned this---it's very important.

Buffering · 07-22-2012, 13:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by plouffedaddy

I should have mentioned this---it's very important.

You should've mentioned that because it is very important.

2-tap · 07-22-2012, 15:02

All my steel is 3/8 ar plate with no craters. Some are hanging from tall flower pot hangers i got from lowes. One is a bigger plate that hangs from a chain and is a spinner that i made. Nothing is solid.

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glockenturm · 07-22-2012, 15:36

I was told to always use unplated lead shot and absolutely no steel shot on steel plates.

Message sent from Texas!

fuzzy03cls · 07-23-2012, 07:07

Never had the need to try it with buckshot. I don't see the reason...But I do shoot slugs at 50 yards all the time at my ar500 plates.

fasteddie565 · 08-04-2012, 07:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by glockenturm

I was told to always use unplated lead shot and absolutely no steel shot on steel plates.

Message sent from Texas!

I see absolutely no need to shoot steel at these types of targets. I use a spectrum of lead shot ammo, but no copper plated shot or anything other than lead.

GWG19 · 08-04-2012, 14:58

We shoot steel plate knock downs from 7 to 15 yards. Also use a #7 or lighter shot. We do this every weekend in competition. No problems other than the occasional splatter.