OUR TARGETS ARE ONLY AS SAFE AS YOU ARE.

Steel Target Safety Information

Steel targets are designed to make training more effective, more efficient, and more enjoyable, but they must be used responsibly. Every shooter is responsible for knowing their firearm, ammunition, target condition, distance, backstop, and surroundings before firing.

Feuer Industries targets are built tough, but no steel target is indestructible. Safe use depends on proper ammunition, proper distance, correct target angle, and regular inspection.

General Safety Rules

Always follow the basic rules of firearm safety:

Treat every firearm as if it is loaded.
Keep your muzzle pointed in a safe direction.
Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire.
Know your target, what is around it, and what is beyond it.
Always wear wraparound eye protection and hearing protection when shooting steel.

Steel targets create bullet fragmentation. Properly angled targets help direct that fragmentation downward, but shooters and bystanders should always remain outside the splash zone. Action Target’s steel target safety guidance recommends wraparound eye protection, hearing protection, target inspection, proper placement, safe distances, and avoiding ricochet hazards such as rocks or hard ground near the target.

Minimum Shooting Distances

These are general minimum distance guidelines for properly rated, properly angled, undamaged steel targets using approved ammunition.

Firearm / Ammunition TypeMinimum Distance

.22 LR Rimfire10 yards

Standard Handgun Calibers10 yards

Magnum Handgun / High-Velocity Pistol Loads15 yards minimum

Shotgun Birdshot, Lead Only10 yards

Shotgun Buckshot, Lead Only25 yards minimum

Shotgun Slugs100 yards minimum

Standard Centerfire Rifle100 yards minimum

High-Velocity Rifle / Magnum Rifle200 yards minimum or farther

Many steel target safety guides use 10 yards for handgun and rimfire, and 100 yards for centerfire rifle as common minimums, with additional distance recommended for higher-velocity rifle rounds, magnum loads, or questionable conditions.

When in doubt, increase your distance.

Approved Ammunition

Use only ammunition appropriate for hardened steel targets.

Generally approved:

• Lead-core handgun ammunition

• Lead-core rimfire ammunition

• Lead-core rifle ammunition at proper distance

• Frangible ammunition, when appropriate

• Lead birdshot at proper distance

• Lead buckshot at proper distance

Prohibited Ammunition

Do not shoot steel targets with:

• Armor-piercing ammunition

• Steel-core ammunition

• Green tip / penetrator ammunition

• Steel shot

• Steel BBs

• Air gun pellets

• Tracer ammunition

• Incendiary ammunition

• Explosive ammunition

• Bimetal or magnetic projectiles

• Ammunition exceeding the target’s intended rating

Steel-core, armor-piercing, green-tip, steel shot, BBs, and penetrator-type rounds are commonly prohibited in steel target safety guidance because they can damage the target, penetrate steel, or create unpredictable ricochet hazards.

A simple rule: if a magnet sticks to the projectile, do not shoot it at steel.

Caliber Restrictions

Feuer Industries steel targets are intended for common handgun, rimfire, shotgun, and centerfire rifle calibers when used at proper distances with approved ammunition.

Handgun

Approved at proper distance:

• .22 LR

• .380 ACP

• 9mm

• .38 Special

• .40 S&W

• .45 ACP

• 10mm

• .357 Magnum

• .44 Magnum

For magnum handgun loads, +P loads, 10mm, or other higher-velocity pistol rounds, increase distance beyond standard handgun minimums.

Rifle

Approved at proper distance:

• .223 Remington

• 5.56 NATO

• .300 Blackout

• 7.62x39

• .308 Winchester

• 6.5 Creedmoor

• Similar standard centerfire rifle calibers

Use centerfire rifle calibers at 100 yards minimum and increase distance for high-velocity or magnum rifle rounds.

Magnum / High-Energy Rifle

Use extreme caution and extended distance with:

• .22-250

• .243 Winchester

• .270 Winchester

• .30-06 Springfield

• 7mm Rem Mag

• .300 Win Mag

• .338 Lapua

• Similar high-velocity or magnum rifle cartridges

These rounds may require 200 yards or more and may shorten target life depending on velocity, bullet construction, target thickness, and shooting volume.

Not Approved

Do not use:

• .50 BMG

• Armor-piercing rifle rounds

• Steel-core rifle rounds

• Green-tip / penetrator rounds

• Any round that exceeds the target’s intended rating

Target Angle Matters

Steel targets should be mounted so the face of the target angles slightly downward. This helps direct bullet fragmentation toward the ground instead of straight back toward the shooter.

Do not shoot steel that is leaning backward, mounted rigidly in an unsafe position, or placed where fragments may strike rocks, concrete, metal posts, or other hard surfaces.

Inspect Before Every Use

Before shooting, inspect your target for:

• Pitting

• Cratering

• Cracks

• Deep gouges

• Bending or warping

• Loose hardware

• Damaged hooks, chains, bolts, or hangers

Do not shoot damaged steel. Pitted, cratered, cracked, or uneven target faces can create dangerous ricochets and unpredictable fragmentation. Steel target safety resources consistently warn against using damaged targets at close distances or targets with cratered or uneven surfaces.

Backstop and Range Conditions

Always shoot steel in front of a safe backstop. Avoid setting steel targets over rocks, concrete, pavement, metal debris, or other hard surfaces that can redirect fragments.

Keep bystanders behind the firing line and away from the target area. Never stand beside or behind steel targets while firing is taking place.

Final Safety Notice

These guidelines are general safety recommendations and do not replace proper firearms training, range rules, local laws, or product-specific instructions. Actual safe use depends on firearm type, ammunition, target thickness, target angle, target condition, distance, and environment.

If you are unsure whether your firearm, ammunition, or setup is safe for steel targets, do not shoot. Contact Feuer Industries before use.