Shoot Steel AR550 Armadillo Short Range Rifle Target Review & Test

Published on March 28, 2022
Duration: 15:59

This review tests the ShootSteel.com AR550 Armadillo short-range rifle target, designed for closer engagement distances than standard AR500 steel. The test covers various pistol calibers, shotguns, and a 7.62x39mm rifle, including an aggressive test at 20 yards, well below the recommended 50 yards. The target demonstrates excellent durability, with no pitting observed even at close range with bi-metal jacketed ammunition, highlighting the benefits of AR550 steel and the target's angled design.

Quick Summary

The ShootSteel.com AR550 Armadillo target is designed for safe short-range rifle practice. Constructed from AR550 steel and featuring an angled design, it effectively mitigates pitting and directs fragmentation downwards, even when tested aggressively at 20 yards with 7.62x39mm bi-metal ammunition.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to AR550 Armadillo Target
  2. 00:26Why Standard Steel Targets Pit
  3. 01:53AR500 vs. AR550 Steel
  4. 02:13Armadillo Target Design for Safety
  5. 03:09Close Range Rifle Shooting Risks
  6. 04:24Test Setup: Rifles, Shotguns, Pistols
  7. 04:50Recommended Minimum Distance (50 Yards)
  8. 05:21Testing at Closer Ranges (20 Yards)
  9. 05:31What Causes Pitting (Velocity)
  10. 05:54Bi-metal vs. Copper Jackets
  11. 06:34Pistol Caliber Testing
  12. 08:24Shotgun Testing (Birdshot & Buckshot)
  13. 09:12Rifle Testing at 50 Yards (7.62x39mm)
  14. 10:40Post-50 Yard Shot Inspection
  15. 11:05Testing at 20 Yards (Aggressive)
  16. 12:45Post-20 Yard Shot Inspection
  17. 13:17Comparison: Bi-metal vs. Copper Jackets on Targets
  18. 13:52Caliber Recommendations (Up to .308)
  19. 14:49Main Purpose: Short Range Rifle Target
  20. 15:14Dangers of Pitting on Standard Targets
  21. 15:37Conclusion: Training Tool Benefits
  22. 15:47Thanks to Shoot Steel

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the ShootSteel.com AR550 Armadillo target suitable for short-range rifle use?

The target is constructed from AR550 steel, which is harder than standard AR500, offering better resistance to pitting from high-velocity rifle rounds. Its angled design also directs fragmentation downwards, enhancing shooter safety at closer distances.

What is the recommended minimum shooting distance for the AR550 Armadillo target?

ShootSteel.com recommends a minimum shooting distance of 50 yards for this target. However, testing showed no pitting even when engaged with 7.62x39mm bi-metal ammunition at a closer range of 20 yards.

What causes pitting on steel shooting targets?

Pitting on steel targets is primarily caused by high-velocity rifle rounds, typically exceeding 2800 feet per second. This high velocity causes bullets to deform or fragment upon impact, creating dents or chips in the steel.

Can I shoot my AR-15 with 5.56 NATO or .223 Remington at the AR550 Armadillo target?

The video specifically tested 7.62x39mm and mentioned that .223/5.56 and .308 would likely be fine. As long as the ammunition velocity is under 2800 fps, pitting should be minimal or non-existent on this AR550 target.

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