Description
50 BMG Steel Target
Why do we use 1/2″ thick AR550 for our 50 BMG steel target? Well, it’s strong enough to withstand both .338 Lapua and 50 BMG at a mere 150 yards – that’s why. In fact, an anti-tank rifle shooting 14.5mm loads at under 100 yards didn’t penetrate our AR5502 – not bad. Some other manufacturers will use AR500 and rate it for 50 BMG, but we don’t agree with that. After all, if you’re going to do something you may as well do it right. Doing it the right way also means making the target wider than tall. With your elevation set, the only guess work is windage. If you don’t know what’s happening 1,500 yards downrange, it’s great to have some wiggle room to get shots on target. By making our 50 BMG steel target from lighter, more durable AR550, and reducing the height of the target while still maintaining generous surface area, we are able to cut down the weight by as much as 25 lb.
From How Close Can I Shoot?
As with our AR500 steel targets we do recommend that rounds over 3,000 fps should be shot from 200+ yards. This is because velocity (in turn heat) is what does the most damage to steel targets. To maintain the best surface quality on your target it is always beneficial to start at 200+ yards and come closer to where you are seeing acceptable results. Our testing has shown great outcomes with 50 BMG at 150 yards, and you will likely have the same experience. Factors such as colder weather, target angle and ammunition can affect material performance though, so when in doubt, use your discretion and remember: make sure you’re informed about proper gun handling and target use prior to shooting. Read our safety information sheet
here.
See It For Yourself
Click this video link to see 50 BMG and .338 Lapua put our AR550 to the test. And in case that isn’t enough for you, see what happens when the PTRD-41 gives it a shot!
1 Although testing has displayed favorable results at short ranges of 150 yards, we do recommend a distance of 400+ yards for best target longevity.
2 14.5mm round was a 70% load because 100% loads aren’t exactly accessible.
Rc (verified owner) –
Great product! Works great! This thing is a beast and can take anything you wanna throw at it. Very, very durable. I’m sure this target will last a lifetime.
Jared –
Where several other AR500 3/8″ and 1/2″ targets have perished, this is the one target on our range that has survived.
This thing is invincible. It’s the cornerstone of our steel set-up, having taken over 10,000 high-power rifle rounds at 100 yards. It’s seen 50 BMG, 470 nitro express, 17 Fireball and 22-250 well over 4000 FPS. The only thing that has hurt it was a 30-416 Rigby throwing 180s at over 3500 fps which zip through 3/8″ AR500 like butter.
Alan –
I’ve had my ar550 plate for about two years now, its seen hundreds of hits from .223 up to .50 bmg. The only damage that has been sustained has been to the powder coat. I just spray it with some krylon every few uses. This thing is probably as close to indestructible as you can get.