Steel targets and round balls ?

[kyron4]

I have several AR500 steel targets, what's a minimum safe distance to shoot with lead round balls from a 50 cal. flintlock pistol to a 36 cal Navy revolver ? Also the backstop is made of treated 2x6's, will round balls bounce off of those ? -Thanks

 

[TDM]

Safest way is to have your steel targets hanging with a backwards tilt and/or make your shots from an offset angle, from the left or right, doesn’t take much to make a safe deflection angle. Your shots will not bounce off a 2x6 unless your using an incredibly low powder charge.

 

[Colonial Boy]

Revolving targets are safe and a cheaper alternative is to mount your target on a spring loaded arm, shots will automatically deflect and the target return to place.

 

[Eutycus]

Are the 2×6s pine? Not that if really matters, like it was previously stated, the ball will not bounce unless you have a low powder charge.

 

[kyron4]

Are the 2×6s pine? Not that if really matters, like it was previously stated, the ball will not bounce unless you have a low powder charge.

Yes, pine 2x6's.

I run 25 gr. of 2F in the 50 and 20 gr. 3F in the 36. Cast pure lead round balls for both.

10 yards is the closest I shoot steel with modern pistols with jacketed bullets and never had any issues.