If you've shopped for steel targets, you've seen "AR500" on almost every listing. It's become shorthand for "real" target steel. Lately you'll also see SR500. Here's what the difference actually is, which one you need, and how we use both at Shooting Targets USA.
The short answer
- AR500 is abrasion-resistant steel plate rated around 500 on the Brinell hardness scale. It's the long-time industry standard for steel targets and a great value for gongs and torsos.
- SR500 ("Shooting Range" 500) is SSAB's Ramor SR500, a ballistic target steel made specifically for shooting targets, with a guaranteed minimum hardness of 500 Brinell. It's the tougher choice for targets that take heavy, repeated hits.
Both are hardened steel that will last for years when you shoot them correctly. SR500 gives you more consistency and more margin.
What is AR500 steel?
"AR" stands for abrasion resistant. AR500 was originally made for industrial wear parts: things like dump truck beds, buckets and chutes that get scraped and pounded all day. Shooters adopted it because a hard plate makes bullets break apart on impact instead of digging in.
The "500" refers to its Brinell hardness number (BHN). In practice, AR500 plate typically tests in a range of roughly 477 to 534 BHN, so two AR500 plates can differ in hardness.
What is SR500 steel?
SR500 ("Shooting Range" 500) is SSAB's Ramor SR500, a ballistic target steel developed for shooting ranges and targets. Instead of a "nominal" 500 rating, it carries a guaranteed minimum surface hardness of 500 Brinell (up to about 590), balanced with the toughness to resist cracking under impact.
What that means on the range:
- Less pitting and cratering: a harder, more consistent strike face stays smoother longer.
- Safer over time: a smooth face sends fragments down at a predictable angle. A pitted or cratered face doesn't.
- Longer life on high-volume targets: moving and reactive targets get shot a lot, and SR500 holds up to it.
AR500 vs SR500 at a glance
| AR500 | SR500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Made for | Industrial wear and abrasion | Shooting targets and ranges |
| Hardness | About 477–534 BHN (nominal 500) | 500 BHN guaranteed minimum |
| Consistency | Varies plate to plate | Tighter, guaranteed floor |
| Best for | Gongs, torsos, everyday plinking | Interactive and high-volume targets |
| Price | Lower | Higher |
Which one do you need?
Choose AR500 if you want classic hanging gongs and torsos for pistol and rifle practice and you want the most steel for your money. For most backyard ranges and everyday shooting, 3/8" AR500 is plenty of target.
Choose SR500 if you're buying a moving or reactive target that will take thousands of hits, like a Texas Star, dueling tree or plate rack, or you run a club or training range where targets get shot every day.
How we use both at Shooting Targets USA
We build every steel target in King, North Carolina, and we put each steel where it makes the most sense.
AR500: our gongs, torsos and the bundles built around them.
- 3/8" AR500 Gong Targets and 1/4" AR500 Gong Targets
- USPSA/IPSC Torso Targets and Bullseye Torsos
- Kits like the Gong Starter Kit and Range Starter Bundle
Want a little of everything in one box? The All-in-One Range Kit bundles several targets together. Check its product page for exactly what's included.
SR500: our interactive and high-volume targets.
- The patented Texas Star and the Double Texas Star
- The Dueling Tree, Speed Rack and Deluxe Plate Rack
- The Elite Series Gong, Elite Series Popper and Rifle Spinner
- Harmonic targets and the Triple Threat Torso
Thickness matters as much as grade
Steel grade is only half the story. 1/4" plate is lighter and made for non-magnum handguns (9mm, .40, .45 ACP) and .22 LR only. 3/8" plate is the all-around choice for pistol, including magnum handguns, and most centerfire rifle. Whatever the grade, stay within the target's rated calibers and velocities.
Shoot steel safely, whichever grade you pick
These are the minimum distances we recommend for our 3/8" steel:
- .22 LR rimfire: 10 yards
- Non-magnum pistol (9mm, .40, .45 ACP): 10–15 yards, lead or jacketed ammo only
- Magnum handguns (.357 Mag, .44 Mag): 25 yards, 3/8" steel only
- Centerfire rifle (.308, .30-06 and other loads under 3,000 fps at the muzzle): 100 yards, keeping impact velocity under 3,000 fps
- Fast rifle loads: If your load leaves the muzzle over 3,000 fps — many 55-grain .223/5.56 loads like M193 do — use 200 yards. Very fast varmint rounds (.204 Ruger, .220 Swift, .22-250) need more: back up until the bullet hits under 3,000 fps.
- Never use steel-core, armor-piercing, "green tip," tracer, incendiary or steel shot on any steel target
Hang or angle targets so fragments deflect toward the ground, wear eye and ear protection, and retire any plate that's pitted, cratered or bent. If the same plate sees both rifle and pistol, inspect it closely after rifle use before shooting pistol up close. Rifle pitting is dangerous at handgun distances. See our full safety information.
FAQ
Is SR500 better than AR500?
For targets, yes: it's made for ballistic use and has a guaranteed minimum hardness. AR500 is still a solid, proven choice for gongs and torsos.
Is SR500 armor steel?
No. SSAB sells it as a ballistic target steel for shooting ranges, not as body or vehicle armor.
Can I shoot AR500 or SR500 with a rifle?
Yes, at the right distance and with the right ammo. Use the distance guide above and never shoot steel-core, AP, tracer or incendiary rounds.
How long do steel targets last?
Shot correctly, quality hardened steel lasts for many years. Shooting too close or with the wrong ammo is what ruins targets.
Questions about which target fits your range? Contact us. We're happy to help you pick the right steel. You can also read more on our SR500 steel targets page.