Steel Target Question

[Scotty P.]

So I've dug up a bunch of scrap plate from work that I wanted to use to make some targets or "gongs" out of but the plate is only ¼" thick. My question is will plate this thin stop a 30-06 165gr round at 100, 200, 300+ yards or will I just be making more targets in a few weeks? The other thing I'm wondering is if 100 yards is too close to safely fire at a steel target without fear of adding extra holes in myself? As always any help is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[bingo1010]

1/4" will work at around...possibly 400 but more than likely 500 yards. that is without damage...depending on bullets as well. hang the targets off a frame with a slight forward angle and richochets will be driven in to the ground. a 7 mag pushing a heavy bullet to the max will damage 1/4" at 700 plus yards

[Sir Rollo]

Mild steel is not that good, if it doesn't make a hole, it will sure put a good dent in it. Harder steel makes the bullet disintegrate, and doesn't leave much of an impression, just a black smudge.

[roger]

i got a peice of boiler plate 1/4 thick and the 17hmr punches through in two or three shots.
the ott six would destroy it, maybe two three sandwich welded together would survive longer.
but the price is right so its all good

[TangoKilo]

Shot some mild steel last week full penetration at 500m with 308 and 6.5mm
at 700m the 308 still penetrated, but the 6.5 only made 1/2" dimples.

[Dmay]

and you're plenty safe to shoot them at 100 yds, although they will perforate.....ya can cover the holes with duct tape and repaint for a while.....the longer the chains are that you hang them with, the more energy goes into "swing"....

[gunner72]

Try cutting an oval shape and hanging them on a 45 so the bullet goes in the dirt. Then mount that on your swivle so it will swing. The deflection might get them last longer. Cut the oval 1.5 times longer than the width and on a 45 it should look round from strait on. Your 06 will have them spining like a pin wheel lol.