How Much Damage do AP Rounds ACTUALLY do?

Published on January 3, 2025
Duration: 9:27

This video demonstrates the impact of different ammunition types on various steel target plates, highlighting the critical differences in steel composition and hardness. It emphasizes that not all steel targets are created equal, with AR550 proving significantly more durable than AR500. The instructor also shows how target angle affects impact damage, with steeper angles reducing wear.

Quick Summary

AR550 steel targets offer superior durability compared to AR500 due to their advanced chemical composition and processing. Even thinner AR550 plates can withstand high-impact ammunition like M855A1 and M80A1 without penetration, while AR500 targets may show significant damage or pass-throughs. Proper target angling also enhances longevity.

Chapters

  1. 00:03Introduction: AP Rounds vs. Steel Targets
  2. 00:17Target Setup: AR500 & AR550 Steel Plates
  3. 00:50Testing Methodology: Consistent Angles & Distance
  4. 01:48Key Takeaways: Steel Target Safety & Quality
  5. 02:16AR550 Exodus Line Performance: M855A1 & M2
  6. 03:333/8" AR550 vs 1/2" AR550: Similar Durability
  7. 04:38AR500 Genesis Plate Performance: M2 Ammunition
  8. 05:27Impact of Target Angle: Steep Lean vs. Vertical
  9. 06:23Physics of Impact: Angle & Steel Strength
  10. 06:37Adapto Bracket Advantages: Durability & Tuning
  11. 07:01Exodus vs. Genesis Lines: Premium vs. Budget
  12. 07:34Understanding Steel Target Price Differences
  13. 08:06Expanding Market Share: All Shooters Covered
  14. 08:40Exodus for Mastery, Genesis for Beginning

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between AR500 and AR550 steel targets?

AR550 steel targets are significantly more durable than AR500. This difference stems from their chemical makeup and processing, not just Brinell hardness. AR550 can withstand more abuse and last longer, making it ideal for higher-volume shooting.

How does ammunition type affect steel target damage?

Different ammunition types cause varying degrees of damage. Military-grade rounds like M855A1 and M80A1 showed minimal damage on AR550 steel, while older armor-piercing rounds like the M2 could cause more significant impact marks. However, even these rounds did not penetrate high-quality AR550 steel.

Does the angle of a steel target affect its durability?

Yes, the angle of a steel target significantly impacts its durability. A steeper forward lean angle allows the plate to move more upon impact, dissipating energy and reducing wear. This physics-based principle helps targets last much longer.

Are all steel targets safe to use?

No, not all steel targets are safe. Unsafe steel targets can be extremely dangerous and even deadly. It is crucial to purchase targets from reputable manufacturers who use quality steel and engineer their products for safety and performance.

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