bullet velocity for steel

[mainecoon]

Below what velocity will bullets inflict minimal damage on steel targets? For the sake of this, say the steel is AR500 and the bullets are typical hunting or varmint loads.

 

[Walkalong]

Under 3000 FPS at contact is a figure I have seen. My .458 Win Mag does no damage to a 1/2" plate at 105 yards (Well under 3K, and a lot of energy), while my nephews 7MM Mag did a small amount of damage (Right around 3K, with a lot of energy), so maybe that has some merit.

 

[Varminterror]

Under 3000 is a good rule of thumb for AR500. Even below 3,000, you may see some dimpling with ball ammo. I've dimpled AR500 at 200yrds with 223rem FMJ, at the same hanger and on same target where thousands of expanders had never made a scratch. For 1/2" or 3/8" AR500, as a rule, the energy should be under 3,000ft.lbs. as well, to keep the plate happy.

 

[lysanderxiii]

Also, the method of mounting makes a difference. Free swinging plates get damaged less.

 

[Walkalong]

Absolutely, that makes a big difference, and they ring better that way as well.

 

[MtnCreek]

55gr FMJ at ~3000 MV will pock mark the crap out of AR500 inside of 100 yds.
77gr HPBT at ~2700 MV will slightly markup AR500 inside of 100 yds.
208gr AMax at ~2900 MV will markup AR500 at 200 yds and warp the plate after repeated hits at 300+ yds.