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Shooting Steel Safely: The Complete Guide to Safe Steel Target Shooting

Posted on by Terry L

If you’ve ever experienced the satisfying ring of a bullet striking steel, you know why steel targets have become the preferred choice for recreational shooters, competitive shooters, law enforcement, and military trainers. Steel provides instant feedback, lasts for years, and makes every range session more enjoyable.

However, shooting steel safely requires using the right equipment, proper ammunition, and correct shooting distances. Following proven safety practices protects both shooters and bystanders while extending the life of your targets.

At MGM Targets, we’ve been manufacturing premium AR550 steel targets since 1994, and safety has always been our highest priority. Here’s everything you need to know before heading to the range.

Why Steel Targets Are Safe

Quality steel targets are specifically engineered to absorb bullet impacts while directing bullet fragments safely downward into the ground. When properly hardened steel is paired with the correct ammunition and mounted correctly, ricochets are extremely rare.

The key is using high-quality AR550 steel, maintaining recommended shooting distances, and ensuring targets can move slightly when struck.

Inferior steel or improperly mounted targets can create dangerous situations that are easily avoided by investing in professionally manufactured targets.

Choose the Right Steel

Not all steel targets are created equal.

MGM Targets manufactures premium AR550 steel, which offers superior hardness and durability compared to softer steels. The harder surface resists cratering, pitting, and deformation.

Damaged steel surfaces can cause unpredictable bullet fragmentation. That’s why it’s important to inspect targets regularly and replace any plate that develops deep craters or excessive wear.

Quality steel isn’t just about longevity—it directly impacts safety.

Follow Minimum Shooting Distances

One of the most important aspects of shooting steel safely is maintaining proper distance.

General guidelines include:

  • Rimfire (.22 LR): 15-25 yards
  • Handguns: Minimum 10 yards (15 yards recommended)
  • Centerfire rifles: Minimum 150 yards
  • Magnum rifles: 200 yards or more depending on caliber
  • High-velocity cartridges: Use thicker steel and increased distances

Always verify that your target is rated for your firearm and ammunition.

Use the Correct Ammunition

Steel targets are designed for standard lead-core ammunition.

Avoid shooting steel with:

  • Steel-core ammunition
  • Armor-piercing rounds
  • Incendiary ammunition
  • Tracer rounds

These projectiles can damage the target, increase splashback risk, and significantly reduce target life.

Using quality ammunition protects both your investment and everyone on the firing line.

Proper Target Mounting Matters

Targets should never be mounted rigidly.

A quality mounting system allows the target to swing or move when struck. This movement helps absorb energy while directing bullet fragments safely downward.

MGM Targets offers numerous mounting options designed specifically for safe target performance, including:

Proper mounting not only improves safety but also extends the life of your steel.

Always Wear Eye Protection

Even when everything is done correctly, bullet fragments will break apart and travel downward and outward.

Every person on the range should wear:

  • ANSI-rated shooting glasses
  • Hearing protection
  • Closed-toe shoes

Eye protection should never be optional when shooting steel.

Inspect Targets Regularly

Before every shooting session, inspect your targets for:

  • Deep craters
  • Cracks
  • Bent mounting hardware
  • Loose bolts
  • Excessive wear

Minor surface marks are normal. However, craters or damaged edges should be addressed immediately to maintain safe shooting conditions.

Routine inspections only take a few minutes and greatly improve range safety.

Angle Targets Correctly

Professional steel targets are often mounted with a slight forward angle.

This directs bullet fragments safely into the ground instead of back toward the shooter.

MGM Targets designs many of its target systems with optimal angles built into the mounting hardware, making safe setup quick and easy.

Never Shoot Damaged Steel

A cratered target can send bullet fragments in unpredictable directions.

If a target becomes damaged from improper ammunition or years of heavy use, replace the affected plate before continuing to shoot.

Replacing a target is far less expensive than risking injury.

Why Shooters Trust MGM Targets

For over three decades, MGM Targets has built steel targets trusted by:

  • Competitive shooters
  • Law enforcement agencies
  • Military training facilities
  • Shooting ranges
  • Recreational shooters nationwide

Every target is manufactured with precision-cut AR550 steel and engineered for durability, reliability, and safe performance.

Whether you’re setting up a backyard range, training for competition, or outfitting a professional facility, choosing premium steel is one of the best investments you can make.

Final Thoughts on Shooting Steel Safely

Shooting steel is one of the safest and most enjoyable ways to practice when proper equipment and procedures are followed. By choosing premium AR550 steel targets, maintaining recommended distances, using appropriate ammunition, and inspecting your equipment regularly, you’ll enjoy years of safe, satisfying shooting.

When quality and safety matter, trust the proven performance of MGM Targets. Explore our complete selection of steel targets, rifle targets, pistol targets, target stands, and complete target kits to build a safer, more enjoyable range experience.

Terry L