Shooting Steel Safety Guide

Last updated: June 2026

Shooting steel is one of the most engaging ways to train, and it is safe when you follow a few clear rules. Because steel redirects a bullet's energy on impact instead of absorbing it, the guidelines below, covering firearm handling, distance, ammunition, and target condition, keep that energy going where it should. Follow them every time you shoot steel.

Download the full printable Steel Safety Guide (PDF)

Firearms Safety Rules

1. Treat every weapon as if it were loaded.
2. Never point your weapon at anything you do not intend to shoot.
3. Keep your finger straight and off the trigger until you are ready to fire.
4. Keep your weapon on safe until you intend to fire.
5. Know your target and its surroundings.

Safety Rules When Shooting Steel

1. ALWAYS wear hearing protection and wrap-around shatter-resistant eye protection.
2. ALWAYS inspect the target for damage, functionality, stability, and other issues before using it.
3. ALWAYS place the target on a soft surface free of large rocks or other secondary ricochet hazards.
4. ALWAYS stand at least 10 yards from the target when using handgun and .22 rimfire calibers.
5. ALWAYS stand at least 10 yards from the target when using shotgun bird or buck shot (lead only).
6. ALWAYS stand at least 100 yards (50 yards for specified targets) from the target when using centerfire rifle calibers.
7. ALWAYS stand at least 100 yards from the target when using shotgun slugs.
8. NEVER use centerfire rifle calibers on .22 rimfire or handgun rated targets (1/4" AR500 or 3/8" AR500).
9. NEVER shoot BBs, steel shot, or air gun pellets at steel targets.
10. NEVER use armor piercing, steel core, green tip, or other types of penetrator ammunition with steel targets.
11. NEVER shoot on steel that is cratered, pitted, or damaged in any way.
12. NEVER exceed a 20-degree angle of engagement.

Ammunition Guidelines

Match your ammunition and shooting distance to the steel grade and thickness of your target. The table below lists what each Action Target steel grade is rated for.

Note on 1/4" AR500: Targets made from 1/4" AR500 steel will wear out faster when used with small handgun ammunition and may cause reactive parts to malfunction, as they are calibrated for the force of a .22 rimfire bullet.

Note on 3/8" AR550: 3/8" AR550 steel targets are not suggested for use with large caliber rifles such as .300 Win Mag, .338 Lapua, or .50 BMG.

Steel Target Safety FAQ

How far should you stand from a steel target?

Stand at least 10 yards away when using handgun, .22 rimfire, and shotgun bird or buck shot (lead only). For centerfire rifle calibers, stand at least 100 yards away (50 yards for specified targets), and at least 100 yards for shotgun slugs. The farther you stand, the lower the risk from any fragment.

Can you shoot a centerfire rifle at AR500 steel?

No. Never use centerfire rifle calibers on .22 rimfire or handgun-rated targets, which include 1/4" AR500 and 3/8" AR500. For standard centerfire rifle ammunition under 3,000 fps muzzle velocity, use 3/8" AR550 steel at 100 yards or more. AR550 is still not suggested for large magnums such as .300 Win Mag, .338 Lapua, or .50 BMG.

What ammunition should you never use on steel targets?

Never use armor piercing, steel core, green tip, or other penetrator ammunition, which can punch through or damage the plate. Never shoot BBs, steel shot, or air gun pellets at steel either. Stick to lead or standard jacketed ammunition within the rating for your target's steel grade.

Can you keep shooting a steel target that is pitted or dented?

No. Never shoot on steel that is cratered, pitted, or damaged in any way, because an uneven surface deflects fragments unpredictably. Inspect the target for damage, function, and stability before every use, and retire any plate that is no longer smooth and flat.

These rules apply to every steel target you shoot, from reactive steel targets to static plates. For a safe setup, our steel target stands keep your target secure and stable on the firing line. For the ballistics behind these rules, see The Science Behind Steel Targets.