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GONG recommendations

hillbillydruggisthillbillydruggist Member Posts: 5 ✭✭
edited January 2017 in Ask the Experts
I am looking at buying metallic gongs that swing on chains, could someone inform me on safe distances? bullet type, etc..?
I will be using 22lr up to 308.

thanks
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    nononsensenononsense Member Posts: 10,928 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    hillbillydruggist,

    Here are a couple of articles which cover everything you need to know in depth:

    http://www.alloutdoor.com/2014/03/10/understanding-safety-steel-targets/

    http://www.gunsandammo.com/network-topics/the-gear-network/shooting-steel-targets/

    Here's a company to help with your selection. Use the drop down menus at the top of their page:

    http://www.shootsteel.com/steel-targets/

    Best.
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    tsr1965tsr1965 Member Posts: 8,682 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    You will most definitely need two gongs, one for the 22LR, and smaller pistol calibers, and one for your larger rifle calibers. Its almost like firearms, and ammunition...one cannot have to many of them, and you always need at least, just one more.
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    rufe-snowrufe-snow Member Posts: 18,650 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    If your friends and neighbors are going to be shootings on your steel targets. Make sure you have adequate liability insurance. Shooting at steel, at to close distances with jacketed ammo. Can be quite dangerous.

    Best to have two sets of targets, Close, (25+ yards) is OK for .22 and lead bullet centerfire loads. Further out (100+ yards) for jacketed high velocity rifle ammo.
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    ZinderblocZinderbloc Member Posts: 925 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Does it have to be steel?

    A company called Newbold makes some great swinging targets made of material that lets the bullet through and then seals.

    Newborn targets are safe for close in shooting and can be used with any caliber. I've used them for years.
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    MobuckMobuck Member Posts: 13,791 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I made my own from scraps.
    3/8" common plate steel will last a long time for personal recreational shooting with centerfire handguns and nearly forever with rimfires.
    DO NOT shoot steel under 25 yards with jacketed ammo-there WILL be bounce back. I only shoot lead or plated bullets at closer ranges.
    The same type plate will hold up to several hundred rounds of FMJ .223 as long as the range is 250-300 yards but will be riddled at closer range.
    If you plan to let others shoot your targets, you'd better just buy the pre-cut AR 500 targets and work out your own suspension set-up.
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