reactive target for .243

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I just got a new 243 for varmet shooting.  I would like to make a reactive target when the prairie dogs and coyotes are not out and about.  I have several swing targets for .22, but the 243 will drill right through them.  I know I can just make them a little thicker but I am looking for other ideas.  Thanks, Matt
Reply:Maybe try sandwiching 2 plates? I dunno if that would work or not but it seems that, after drilling the first plate, the round would be deformed enough to be stopped by the second, transmitting all energy to it and getting the swing you're looking for. Good luck....
Reply:I saw your question this morning and asked the guy at our range that works on the IPSC pistol and practical rifle course. He said that our rifle plates are 3/8" AR 500. And there are guys out there with AR-10s poppin those things.He said as long as its a reactive (swings or falls) target 3/8" is ok. If it was fixed he said the plate would crater faster.
Reply:For my targets at home, (30-06, .223, .45, 400 Corbon, etc) I use the outside solid sections of caterpillar track pads.  About .625 thick, curve on bottom edge, opposite curve on top--good place to weld short hang chains.  Only problem is when a "miss" hits the hanging chain--PLOP!!!Don't use for .50BMG--------it's hard to find the plates.Last edited by Y2K; 03-22-2008 at 08:20 PM.Reason: note on .50
Reply:We have some AR plate around at work I might try to cut a few of them.  Another guy cut a bunch of 3/4 plate for his 204 but that is just too heavy for me.  I don't want to lug that around.  I will work something up this week and post a picture of my new targets.  I want something a little different.  Thanks, Matt
Reply:I have and still shoot at steel targets. I usually use 1/2'' mild. This is pretty abundant where I work. You guys may have already seen this but if not check it out. Make sure your sound is on.
Reply:I still use 1/4" mild steel for my rifle targets.I like to see the 1/2" copper-jacketed hole that a .223 leaves, plus, there's always an apprentice around that likes the practice of welding the holes filled.
Reply:Can you set the target face at a downward angle? The back stops at our range are AR plate, 1/4" I think but set at a very steep angle to deflect the rounds down into the dirt. Perhaps a target with a sloped face will disapate enough energy to prevent cratering but still leave you enough for a knock down.
Reply:If you make the targets so they will move on impact it will help a lot to reduce the damage they take.Me!
Reply:AR500 plate.  Watch out for richochets and splatter.  Minimum distance to target for rifles is 100 yards.http://www.cascity.com/store/The_Tru...el_Targets.pdf
Reply:If you're really into reactive targets, try the old Texas Star.Lot of fun.When you really get into it, go for the Oregon Star.  Favorite right now is a Miller Syncro 200.Tons of tools and I blame at least one of them when things don't go right.
Reply:I used 3/8" plate for mine and made them so they spin when struck by the bullet. the trick is to get them balanced just right. I have shot a .308, 30.06, .243 and a 12 ga at them without holes, just dents, 100yards for the rifles about 75 for the slug gun.
Reply:I made this one from scrap at work.  Only used it for .40S&W and 9mm so far.  Circles are two 1/4" plates welded together.  They slide off the crossbar and the crossbar lifts up out of the upright, making the whole thing pretty portable.  Base is a stand from a machine we didn't use, it's an 'H' shape of 1/4" steel with adjustable feet.
Reply:49KB, There is a HUGE difference in the reaction of the bullet to the steel target between pistol rounds and rifle rounds.For rifle rounds, recommended steel is AR500 (occasionally AR400 is used, with a shorter safe life span) in 3/8 inch (minimum) or 1/2 inch (recommended) thickness.And obviously don't use AP rounds.See my above link to the informational PDF/webpage.
Reply:Here is one of mine. I have not shot my .243 at it yet. I have one at my folks place, we shoot with a .22 just for fun. They are 1/2 plate. Attached ImagesLast edited by Reebs; 03-28-2008 at 09:34 PM.