Steel Target Size by Distance: What Size Gong for 100, 200 and 300+ Yards

Quick answer: at 100 yards, an 8" or 10" gong is a comfortable everyday rifle target, and a 4" or 6" plate is a real test. At 200 yards, step up to 8" to 10". At 300 yards and beyond, use 12" to 16" gongs. Our 3/8" AR500 gongs come in 4", 6", 8", 10", 12" and 16", so you can build a setup that fits your rifle, your skill and your range.

Pick a gong too small and you'll spend the day missing and guessing why. Pick one too big and you'll stop learning. Here's how to size steel to the distance, using the same simple math long-range shooters use.

Gong size by distance at a glance

This table shows how big each of our gong sizes "looks" at each distance, measured in MOA (minute of angle). Lower numbers are harder.

As a rough guide: 4 MOA or more is a comfortable target for most shooters and rifles, 2–4 MOA is a solid challenge, and under 2 MOA calls for a precise rifle, good ammo and a steady position.

What MOA means (the short version)

MOA is a way of measuring size as an angle instead of inches. One MOA covers about 1 inch at 100 yards, about 2 inches at 200 and about 3 inches at 300. Because it scales with distance, it lets you compare an 8" plate at 100 yards to a 16" plate at 200 yards. Those two look almost exactly the same size through your scope.

The math is easy: take the gong diameter in inches and divide it by the distance in hundreds of yards. A 12" gong at 300 yards is about 12 ÷ 3 = 4 MOA. (The table above uses the more exact 1.047" per MOA at 100 yards, which is why the numbers run slightly lower.)

Match the target to your rifle and yourself

Your rifle and your shooting both have an accuracy limit. If your rifle and ammo shoot 2 MOA groups from a bench, a 2 MOA gong is going to get missed often even when you do everything right. Then add wind, a field position and your own wobble.

A good habit: pick a target at least twice the size of your rifle's typical group for confidence-building practice, and about the same size as your group when you want to push yourself. That keeps hits frequent enough to learn from, but not so easy you stop paying attention.

100 yards

This is where most rifle shooting happens, and it's also our minimum distance for centerfire rifle on 3/8" steel, with impact velocity under 3,000 fps. 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. An 8" or 10" gong is a great all-day target for zeroing confirmation and casual practice. Drop to 6" when it gets too easy, and use a 4" plate when you want every shot to count.

200 yards

Wind and bullet drop start to matter here. A 10" gong at 200 yards looks about like a 5" plate at 100, so it's a fair test for most rifles. Use 8" if you're shooting from a solid rest with a precise rifle. 200 yards is also our minimum on 3/8" steel for any load that leaves the muzzle over 3,000 fps, which includes many 55-grain .223/5.56 loads like M193.

300 yards and beyond

At 300 yards, a 12" gong is roughly a 4 MOA target, which most shooters can hit with good fundamentals and a correct hold. The 16" gong gives you more room for wind and is much easier to spot through a scope. Past 400 yards, the 16" gong is the size we recommend starting with. Bigger plates also make it easier to see where you hit after fresh paint, so you can make corrections.

Thickness still matters

Size is about how hard the target is to hit. Thickness is about what the target can take. For centerfire rifle, stick with 3/8" steel. Our 1/4" gongs are for non-magnum handguns and .22 LR only. Magnum rifles like the .300 Win Mag, .338 Lapua and .50 BMG are not recommended on 3/8" plate, and steel-core, armor-piercing, green tip, tracer and incendiary ammo and steel shot should never be used on steel. Full distance rules are in how far away to shoot steel targets.

Common mistakes

1. Starting too small. A 4" plate at 300 yards is under 1.5 MOA. If you can't see where you missed, you can't fix anything.
2. Using the same size at every distance. An 8" plate that's easy at 100 yards becomes a real challenge at 300.
3. Forgetting about wind. A small gong leaves almost no room for a wind call. Go bigger on gusty days.
4. Not painting the plate. Fresh paint shows exactly where your hits landed, which helps you adjust your hold.
5. Thinking a bigger plate is safe to shoot closer. Minimum distances are the same no matter what size gong you hang.

What to buy

One size at a time: our 3/8" AR500 gongs come in 4", 6", 8", 10", 12" and 16".

For 100-yard practice: the Gong Starter Kit (8", 10" and 12" with three hangers) or the Small Gong Set (4", 6" and 8") for precision work.

For mixed distances: the Gong Ladder Set (16", 8", 6" and 4") gives you one plate for long range and three for testing yourself up close.

For 300+ yards: the Big Gong Set with 12" and 16" 3/8" AR500 gongs plus two hangers.

To hang and see them: target hangers, a T-post hanger and a can of target paint.

FAQ

What size steel target should I use at 100 yards?
An 8" or 10" gong is a comfortable everyday target. Use 6" or 4" when you want a challenge.

What size gong for 200 yards?
Start with 10". Drop to 8" once you're hitting it consistently.

What size gong for 300 yards?
A 12" gong is a fair test for most rifles, and a 16" gong is easier to hit and to spot.

How do I figure out a target's size in MOA?
Divide the target's diameter in inches by the distance in hundreds of yards. A 16" gong at 400 yards is about 4 MOA.

Can I use 1/4" gongs for rifle at long range?
No. Our 1/4" steel is for non-magnum handguns and .22 LR. Use 3/8" for centerfire rifle, at the proper minimum distance.

Planning a rifle range and not sure which sizes to get? Contact us and we'll help you choose.