BEAVERCREEKTARGET CO.
Beavercreek Target Co. · Angry Hornet guidance

Target safety
& care.

Choose the right steel, set it up correctly, and inspect it every time you shoot.

This guide summarizes the Angry Hornet AR500 recommendations supplied to Beavercreek Target Co. Always follow the instructions and ratings for your exact target, mount and ammunition. General thickness guidance does not override product-specific restrictions.

Rimfire & standard pistols

1/4″ AR500

  • For .22 LR and standard pistol calibers up to .45 ACP.
  • Not recommended for rifles or magnum ammunition.
Pistols & rifles

3/8″ AR500

  • Angry Hornet lists pistol calibers and rifles up to .308, with impact velocity below 3,000 fps.
  • Lead birdshot up to 12 gauge is listed; never use steel shot.
  • Some light buckshot and slug use is listed. Confirm the exact load and target rating before use.
Heavier use

1/2″ AR500

  • Angry Hornet lists pistol calibers and rifles up to .338 Lapua, with impact velocity below 3,000 fps.
  • Intended for heavier use, including magnum rifles and sustained shotgun slug use, subject to the exact target’s instructions.

Before you shoot: Minimum distances in the supplied guidance are 10 yards for most pistols and 100 yards for most rifles. Keep bullet velocity at the target below 3,000 fps. Distance alone does not establish compatibility; ammunition, target condition and the product’s rating also matter.

Set up. Shoot safely. Inspect.

Ammunition & shooting distance
  • Use lead-core ammunition. Never use steel-core, armor-piercing ammunition or steel shot.
  • Maintain at least 10 yards for most pistols and 100 yards for most rifles, or any greater distance required by the manufacturer.
  • Keep impact velocity below 3,000 fps. Increase distance or change ammunition as needed to meet the target’s requirements.
  • Check compatibility for each new ammunition type and shooting distance. Stop if the target develops damage or pitting.
Mounting, angle & stand security
  • Mount targets securely with manufacturer-approved hardware.
  • Allow hanging gongs to swing freely. Angry Hornet recommends a 20-degree downward-facing angle whenever possible, directing fragments toward the ground.
  • If the stand has stake holes, stake it securely to prevent tipping or shifting.
  • Bullet fragments can rebound toward shooters and spectators. Maintain the required distance and proper mounting angle.
Eye & hearing protection
  • Shooters and everyone in the shooting area must wear suitable safety glasses and hearing protection.
  • Keep spectators protected and positioned safely. Follow all range rules and manufacturer instructions.
Care, inspection & longer target life
  • Inspect targets before and after shooting, and whenever changing ammunition or distance.
  • Stop using damaged or pitted targets. Follow the manufacturer’s replacement and disposal guidance.
  • Flip reversible gongs periodically to use both sides evenly, where the product’s design and instructions permit.
  • Adjust ammunition and distance to preserve target integrity. Improper setup or ammunition may reduce performance and damage the target.

The shooter is responsible for verifying that their specific ammunition is appropriate and does not excessively damage the target. These recommendations reduce risk; they do not eliminate the hazards of shooting steel. Read our steel-target safety and liability disclaimer below.

Adapted from Angry Hornet’s “Safety & Usage Recommendations” and AR500 gong care FAQ supplied to Beavercreek Target Co. Manufacturer: Angry Hornet LLC. Retailer: Beavercreek Target Co.

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