Help with New CLA PC targets

[GTKF]

we're looking to get a set of 1/2 size targets for both Hunter Pistol and CLA Pistol Caliber. Some manufactureres use mild steel (brinnel hardness of 125). Others use either AR 400 (360) or 500 (465). Since there is a significant price difference I was wondering what experience shooters have had. Will mild steel stand up to a 44 mag from a lever gun over time. Would T-1 at 250 brinnell be OK

Any thoughts would be appreciated

Ken

[308]

You don't want mild steel, it will not last long.
I've built and shot a lot of targets out of T1, We currently have two plate racks and the 8" plates are made from T1, thus far, about 3 years, we've had no problems with deformation what so ever.
While T1 is not as hard as the various AR steels, as you said its lots cheaper too. My 2 cents is for the cost the T1 will last you a very long time and will be a good buy for what you get. As long as you are talking straight cased pistol cartridges, centerfire rifle is another matter and if its shot under about 300 yards, AR will be needed. 308

[Evelio Mc Donald]

Ken,
T-1 plate is what is used on all of the aircraft carriers, and other military ships on the main decks, it is a hard material, but it is very resiliant or flexible to high velocity impact. Several of the clubs in the Houston area have all targets made out of T-1 steel, ( for high power ) some are over 10 years old, and they are still as flat as when new, a couple of them have holes all the way thru, when some idiot decided to shoot at them with a 300 Mag. Since then, we decided to lock up all targets after the match was over.
I did posted a notice out in the club bulleting board, stating that I would allow the same SOB to come out and shoot at the silhouette targets with his 300 Mag. except he had to fire 40 shots at them in 45 minutes. Never heard a word from the SOB.
Sorry I got carried away, T-1 is the best steel, the only problem is when you weld the base plates to the animals, you have to use a low hydrogen welding rod to be able to get good penetration into both metals to withstand the constand pounding from the bullet impact.
If you need more information on what specific kind of welding rod or what settings you need on your welding machine, send me a PM.
Good luck.
Evelio.