With Grizzly Targets launching the exclusive SNS system housed in SR500 steel, it is easy to overlook the bread and butter of the steel target industry &#; AR500. This guide will dive deeper into what makes AR500 steel a solid choice for targets that are built to last.
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AR500 is a type of abrasion-resistant steel commonly used in applications where high levels of wear resistance are required. This includes body armor, targets for shooting ranges, and steel plates for heavy equipment. The &#;AR&#; in AR500 stands for &#;abrasion-resistant,&#; and the &#;500&#; refers to the Brinell hardness number (HBW) of the steel. This measure of the material&#;s hardness indicates its ability to resist deformation under high pressure. AR500 steel has a Brinell hardness of around 500 HBW, making it highly resistant to surface abrasion and penetration. It is known for its durability, toughness, and ability to withstand high-impact stresses, making it a popular choice in applications where durability and protection are critical.
AR500 steel is produced through an alloying process, which involves combining iron with other elements to create a material with specific properties. For AR500, this process includes adding carbon, manganese, chromium, and molybdenum to the steel. These elements are added in precise proportions to create a steel that boasts high levels of strength, hardness, and abrasion resistance.
Once alloyed, the steel undergoes a heat treatment process to further enhance its properties. Initially, the steel is heated to a high temperature to make it more malleable, then rapidly cooled in a process called quenching. This rapid cooling hardens the steel, making it more resistant to wear and deformation. Finally, the steel is tempered by heating it to a lower temperature, relieving any internal stresses and improving its toughness and ductility. Once the heat treatment process is complete, the steel is typically formed into the desired shape and/or cut to size. It can be used in a variety of applications, such as body armor, shooting range targets, and steel plates for heavy equipment.
At Grizzly Targets, we further enhance our steel targets through a process called hot-dip galvanization. This involves lowering the steel into a kettle containing molten zinc at 850 degrees Fahrenheit. The steel and zinc metallurgically react to form three zinc-iron intermetallic layers and one pure zinc layer. This additional layer of protection further increases the durability and longevity of our steel targets.
AR500 steel has become the industry standard for applications requiring high levels of wear and impact resistance due to its excellent combination of properties. Here are some reasons why AR500 is the industry standard:
AR500 steel has a hardness rating of around 500 HBW, making it highly resistant to surface abrasion and penetration. This level of hardness makes it ideal for use in applications where heavy wear is expected.
Despite its high hardness, AR500 steel is also tough and durable, able to withstand high-impact stresses without breaking or deforming. This toughness is crucial in applications where the material must endure significant stress and impact.
AR500 steel is a cost-effective option for applications requiring high levels of abrasion resistance. Compared to other materials like ceramic or composite armor, AR500 is relatively inexpensive to produce and manufacture. This cost-effectiveness makes it an attractive choice for many industries.
AR500 steel can be used in a wide range of applications, from body armor and shooting range targets to steel plates for heavy equipment. Its versatility makes it a popular choice across various industries.
AR500 steel is widely available from a range of suppliers, making it easy to source for most applications. This availability ensures that industries can rely on a steady supply of this essential material.
AR500 steel targets are easy to set up and use. They can be used indoors or outdoors and can be arranged in various configurations to suit different needs. This convenience makes these steel targets a favorite among shooting enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Overall, the combination of high hardness, toughness, cost-effectiveness, versatility, and availability has made AR500 steel the industry standard for applications where abrasion and impact resistance are critical.
AR500 targets are designed to withstand various ammunition types, but it&#;s important to choose the right ammunition for the type of target you're using to ensure safety and longevity. Here are some guidelines on the types of ammunition that are generally safe to use with AR500 steel targets:
Most pistol ammunition, including standard FMJ (Full Metal Jacket) rounds, is safe to use with AR500 steel targets. However, it&#;s important to avoid using high-velocity or armor-piercing rounds, as these can damage the target.
Many types of rifle ammunition are safe to use with AR500 steel targets, including standard FMJ rounds and some hollow-point and soft-point rounds. However, it&#;s important to avoid using high-velocity rounds or rounds designed to penetrate armor, as these can damage the target.
Shotguns are generally not used with AR500 steel targets, as the pellets can fragment and ricochet, creating a safety hazard. However, some shotgun rounds, such as slugs or buckshot, may be safe to use with AR500 targets specifically designed for shotgun use.
It&#;s also important to choose the appropriate caliber and size of ammunition for the target you&#;re using. These targets come in a range of thicknesses and sizes, and the manufacturer usually provides guidelines on the types of ammunition that are safe to use with the target. Always follow the manufacturer&#;s guidelines and use common sense when choosing ammunition for AR500 steel targets.
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AR500 targets are a safe, durable, and effective training tool that can help you improve your shooting skills while having fun. Whether you&#;re a competitive shooter, a law enforcement officer, or a recreational shooter, AR500 targets can provide a challenging and rewarding shooting experience. They offer several benefits, including:
AR500 steel targets can withstand thousands of rounds without significant wear, making them a long-lasting investment.
Properly designed AR500 steel targets minimize the risk of ricochet, making them safer for shooters.
Steel targets provide immediate auditory and visual feedback when hit, enhancing the shooting experience and helping shooters improve their accuracy.
AR500 steel targets can be used in various shooting scenarios, from close-range pistol practice to long-range rifle training.
For more information on our new SR500 steel targets, you can check out our introduction to SR500 or head over to our latest guide detailing everything you need to know about SR500 steel. By choosing AR500 steel targets, you are investing in a reliable and durable solution that will serve you well for years to come.
AR500 vs. AR550 is a great question. Let&#;s take a moment and explain the differences here, and what these differences will translate to in terms of steel target function and reliability.
The &#;AR&#; in AR500 steel actually stands for Abrasion Resistant, while the number, in this case 500, indicates the Brinell Hardness Number (BHN). Most AR500 steel falls within 460-544 BHN.
AR500 steel is an abrasion resistant heat treated material used for high wear applications. You can find steel like this being used in mining operations or other high wear material handling operations. Additionally, it&#;s also exceptionally durable when used for steel targets.
AR500 has exhibited excellent resistance to high impact stresses, and our AR500 holds up for years. But we&#;ve found it to be lacking when it comes to the ability to mitigate the &#;pitting&#; effect many people experience when shooting AR500 with high velocity rifles, most notably .223/5.56 NATO.
We decided to begin exploring the idea of using AR550 steel for all of our rifle rated targets, with the exclusion of our 50 BMG target line. For pistol use, there will be no noticeable difference between AR500 and AR550. In fact, all of our targets that are intended for use with pistols only are cut from AR400 steel. This is a slightly softer material, but a more economical option as well.
When it comes to pistol targets, the amount of energy and the velocity of the rounds is so much less that the hardness becomes less of a factor.
High velocity and energy exerted by rifle rounds makes the hardness of the material a key factor. We were all very surprised to see just how much better the AR550 steel performed when testing with high velocity rounds such as 5.56 and .308.
While we still rate the targets for the same distances as the AR500 line of targets, we know that our customers will be extremely pleased to see their targets no longer &#;pitting&#;. Even at distances inside of 100 yards, AR550 exhibits an extremely high level of impact resistance.
We still put our new targets through the same amount of rigorous testing, putting thousands and thousands of rounds on each target before we release a new design to our customers. We also continue to use extreme care and diligence in our material vetting process, only buying what we feel is the absolute best AR550 from a very select few mills in the US. All AR500 and AR550 is not the same, even if it may have the same material hardness and even if it is indeed &#;certified&#; AR500/AR550.
Each mill has a proprietary chemical composition and heat treating process and we have put countless hours into determining which of these is best for our specific uses.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns at all, please don&#;t hesitate to reach out to us directly. Call us at 763-205-, or us at
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