What type of steel for plates?

[mikepro8]

I have been seriously thinking about building a steel plate rack at my range. Problem is, I know JACK about steel and dont know what kind to look for. I plan on using the rack for pistols and rifles.

Any suggestions?

[Pukindog]

T1 is what you need.
Jeff

[mikepro8]

Thanks! Where can this be obtained? Junk yards? tool stores?

[Pukindog]

Most likely steel supply providers.
Jeff

[27hand]

Originally Posted by Pukindog

T1 is what you need.
Jeff

Actually, AR500 would be a better choice if available.

Cutting hardened plate steel should not be done with a torch as you will soften the edges.

T-1 321 / T-1 360 Alloy & Abrasion Resistant Steel
T-1 321 and T-1 360 are quenched & tempered through hardened wear resistant grades of steel used for impact and abrasion. T-1 321 and T-1 360 have a minimum brinell of 321 and 360 respectively. It is important to note that Chapel Steel recommends that this grade not be used in any structural applications.

AR500 / AR500F Alloy & Abrasion Resistant SteelAR500 and AR500F are quenched & tempered through hardened wear resistant grades of abrasion resistant steel plate used for severe impact and abrasion. Chapel Steel's premium grade of these products are Chapalloy 500 and Chapalloy 500F.

I use mild steel scrap for pistols and buy resetting poppers made of AR500

These hanging plates and spring plates were shot at the Pittsburgh group shoot last Sun



27hand

[Pukindog]

27 Hand,
Thanks for the info. We use T! for our big bore silhouette animals at our range. They hold up very well for the pounding they take just about every week.
Jeff

[27hand]

Originally Posted by Pukindog

27 Hand,
Thanks for the info. We use T! for our big bore silhouette animals at our range. They hold up very well for the pounding they take just about every week.
Jeff

Jeff, Thank you for the response. I may see if I can get some T-1 for pistol plates.

The steel i use is mild steel (scrap) and when it takes an occasional rifle hit, it craters substantially. I'll look into some T-1 and read up on the welding/ impact resistance of this steel.

What ranges do you guys shoot your steel ?

27hand

[Holleta]

Originally Posted by 27hand

I use mild steel scrap for pistols and buy resetting poppers made of AR500

27, Where do you get the reseting poppers from?

[27hand]

Originally Posted by Holleta

27, Where do you get the reseting poppers from?

Holleta, I use Mike Gibson Colt speed plates at

http://www.mgmtargets.com/ The auto poppers are here http://www.mgmtargets.com/products/auto_poppers.shtml

They were about $100 when I got them a couple years ago and I think they are $116 + S&H now.

One took a rifle hit at 25 yds at a group shoot a few back and did not dimple or crater.

These are 3/8" thick and you can buy replacement springs for a few bucks.

27hand

[Frenchy]

I recently watched a TV show that claimed the US has a hard time getting rid of the steel from their naval fleet... Said some thing about third world countries are the only ones who will actually take the tankers and destroyers when they are de-commissioned because of all the toxic materials in there and the need to get rid of the “Steel” in a proper way in the US is almost impossible.

When I was in Canada, the club I belonged to picked up 40 2’X10’ sheet of 1” ar500 from Texaco for almost nothing. The sheets where welded by a pro and hung to a rack at 45 degrees to create the most solid backstop I ever seen.
The 2 sections of backstop (1 30X10 and 1 50X10) cost the club around $15K once all put up.

Sort of makes you wonder who would have connections in the petroleum or naval industry!!!

Although the Club there wanted 1’ for its backstop, there was at the time some 3/8 and ½ inch stock same sizes. Might be worth doing a search to see if the people who regularly use this stuff might have some “surplus”

Emm Err maybe something like this?
http://cgi.govliquidation.com/auctio...3#ItemManifest

Or this 5000 weight scale... only weighs in at 1650 LB must be some good metal in there!