Quick Tip: Getting Started Shooting Steel

Is it the satisfying "CLANG!" when you score a hit? Or just the fact that you're shooting a target more substantial than paper? Whatever the reason, steel target shooting has been popular for years, and the trend shows no signs of abating. Brownells Gun Techs Steve Ostrem and Caleb Savant have some tips for getting started in shooting steel. The first step is to get the right steel targets for the caliber and velocities you're shooting. The bigger the bullets and the higher the velocities, the thicker steel plate targets you'll need. Target manufacturers also rate targets on how far away from them you need to be. High-velocity bullets shatter on impact, and you don't want to get hit by bits of lead and bullet jacket. Slow-moving bullets, like those used in cowboy action shooting, tend to bounce, so maintaining a safe distance is just as critical. Having good eye protection is even more important than usual when shooting steel. Of course, don't shoot armor-piercing or steel-tipped bullets (like M855 5.56 NATO) at steel targets! Make sure the target is facing you square on. You don't want bullets ricocheting off it and going places they should not go. Follow these basic guidelines, and you'll have a blast shooting steel!