Ricochet Thoughts

[drop45]

I just posted this on THR as well. Our gun club purchased two 16" gongs last year that have gone unused because a couple of the 'elders' believe that 22lr rounds would ricochet off these heavy targets. We already shoot at two Evil Roy targets of similar size as well as two plate racks, and nobody seems to be overly concerned. I know that ricochets are possible in any situation, but are they being overly concerned about this. It is also by the way a handgun only range. Any thoughts??

 

[Mgderf]

.22's are going to splatter on heavy plates.

 

[throttletony]

First -- I'm not sure and IANAL. Now that that's out of the way, I think if you're shooting these straight-on, then the risk of a ricochet is extemely minimal. Adding angles to the equation (shooting a quartering shot on target) would very likely produce a ricochet... at least all of the "zings" I heard as a kid shooting into fields with the occasional rock would indicate that angles are your ricochet-inducers with a 22 (and with just about any projectile)

 

[lovemywoods]

As long as the surface stays essentially flat (no gouges or craters) you should be safe. The bullets should fragment. Hardened steel (AR500) is the way to go for steel targets. Always wear eye pro since you can't assure zero issues.

 

[HoughMade]

My kids have been involved in 4-H Shooting sports for years. They shoot at a local range that uses steel plates with .22s, always straight on. The use cardboard targets close up (7 to 10 yards) and the steel plates probably close to 50 yards. We have never had a richocet issue in the 5 or 6 years I've been taking my kids to shoot there.

 

[drop45]

Yes eyes and ears are mandatory. They are ar500. Most shooting of these targets would be either head on or at most 15* angle from either side. We have two covered shooting bays with an exposed area between the two bays for another 4 shooters. Targets would also be placed at and shot from 25 yards. Thanks for quick replies.

 

[bstewrat3]

I wouldn't be too concerned until they start getting divots from the bigger rounds.

 

[Cameramonkey]

As long as the surface stays essentially flat (no gouges or craters) you should be safe. The bullets should fragment. Hardened steel (AR500) is the way to go for steel targets. Always wear eye pro since you can't assure zero issues.

I shoot steel at my home range at 25m with a 22. I have indeed been hit with a ricochet. (just enough to feel, not dangerous in the least as long as you have eyes on.

https://www.indianagunowners.com/forums/break-room/393721-always-use-both-eyes-ears-range.html

 

[M67]

Shoot them with a suppressed gun, you'll notice ricochets pretty quickly. They're still pretty safe, but you'll have some rounds ricochet off anything

 

[IndyDave1776]

Ricochet Thoughts

Fire thoughts in safe directions only, preferably into permeable targets, as they may well ricochet if fired into non-permeable targets, like liberals.

 

[t-squared]

Drop, try to hang the targets so there is a bit of downward angle and you will easily see the spatter hit the ground below after every shot. Use carraige bolts to keep the front as smooth as possible.
We've shot a bunch of rimfire and 9, .40, and .45 at as close as 25 feet with no spatter or ricochet issues....Bobcat ar500, targets slightly angled down, and shot from head on to maybe 10-15 degrees. Try to keep the shots as head on as possible.

BTW, a .22 will leave a little pill after striking the plate that looks like you sliced the end off of a pencil eraser....kinda cool...

 

[drop45]

Thanks guys

 

[shibumiseeker]

Even shooting in my angled bullet traps .22lr fragments pretty well. I regularly get hit by fragments while shooting at my Bobcat walkers at 20-30', but it barely breaks the skin and is primarily dangerous to the eyes.

 

[Fullmag]

Looking for a range. What is city is your range close to?