What is AR500 Steel?

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When discussing our steel gong targets with customers, the experts at Alliant Metals are often asked what AR500 steel is. For those who have never bought a steel target before, it&#;s a valid question, especially with all of our targets are created from the same metal. Our professionals want our customers to understand our standards, and why AR500 is the only steel we should use for their metal targets.

So, what is AR500?

AR500 is a hardened steel that is commonly used for targets, armored applications, truck plows and in mining. It is tempered and designed to be abrasion resistant, which makes it ideal for high wear applications. With a high Brinell hardness number (BHN), AR500 steel is perfect for targets because of its functionality and safety. By providing impact resistance, bullets are more likely to hit a flat surface on the target and follow usual ricochet patterns. When softer steels are used and deformations occur, there is a much higher possibility for an unusual bounce back that could cause injury.

On top of providing the safety that many shooters are looking for, it also provides the durability necessary for the range. By creating steel gong and silhouette targets that are an investment worth making, shooters will spend less time buying targets and more time enjoying them.

It is important to know that about hardness for steel targets is that a higher BHN is not necessarily better. Many times, an extreme increase in hardness will only make your product durability worse instead of improving it as the steel is more brittle.  This occurs predominantly in rifle shooting vs handgun due to its velocity and power upon impact.

Alliant Metals knows all there is to know about steel targets because we specialize in metal distribution! We are dedicated to providing quality services for all of our customers and deliver products with only the highest standards.

With more questions about our targets or other services, please contact us today by calling (800) 543-

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.

What is AR500 Steel?

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.

How is AR500 Steel Made?

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.

Why Is AR500 the Industry Standard?

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:

High Hardness

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.

Excellent Toughness

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.

Want more information on what type of steel is ar500? Feel free to contact us.

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Cost-Effective

Prefab House, Expandable Container ...

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.

Versatile

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.

Availability

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.

Convenience

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.

What Types of Ammunition Can Be Used with AR500 Steel?

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:

Pistol Ammunition

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.

Rifle Ammunition

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

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.

Why Choose AR500 Steel Targets?

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:

Durability

AR500 steel targets can withstand thousands of rounds without significant wear, making them a long-lasting investment.

Safety

Properly designed AR500 steel targets minimize the risk of ricochet, making them safer for shooters.

Immediate Feedback

Steel targets provide immediate auditory and visual feedback when hit, enhancing the shooting experience and helping shooters improve their accuracy.

Versatility

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.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website hot dipped galvanised coil price.