Best Steel Plate Solutions for Mining and Quarry Equipment
375Discover the best NM400, NM450, and NM500 wear-resistant steel plates for mining and quarry equipment. Improve durability and reduce downtime with CJM Steel.
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The shooting sports industry continues to expand worldwide, and with it comes increasing demand for high-quality, durable shooting targets. For shooting target manufacturers, selecting the right material is crucial—not only to meet safety standards but also to ensure long-lasting performance and cost efficiency.
Among all available steels, AR500 steel plate has become the preferred target steel for manufacturers. Its consistent hardness, abrasion resistance, and impact strength make it ideal for cutting into gongs, silhouettes, and rifle-rated targets.

AR500 steel is a type of abrasion-resistant alloy steel with a Brinell hardness of around 500 (typically 470–540 BHN). This hardness allows it to withstand repeated high-velocity impacts without deformation, cratering, or cracking—critical for targets used in shooting ranges and tactical training.
Its key material properties include:
These qualities explain why most manufacturers source AR500 steel plates for targets rather than using mild steel or softer AR grades.

Manufacturers cut and process AR500 plates into a wide range of designs:
Simple yet effective, steel target AR500 gongs are round or square plates suspended on chains. They deliver a clear sound upon impact, making them ideal for ranges and competitions.
AR500 steel silhouette targets replicate human or animal outlines, used for tactical training and competitions such as IPSC. Their durability allows them to endure repeated rifle and pistol fire.
For higher-caliber firearms, AR500 steel rifle targets provide the hardness needed to withstand powerful impacts. Typically, these require at least 3/8″ or 1/2″ thickness.
Mounting solutions are equally important. AR500 steel target stands and frames allow shooters to adjust angle and height, ensuring safe deflection of bullet fragments.
Some manufacturers produce 1/2 inch AR500 steel targets for heavy use or high-velocity rounds, as well as reactive targets that move, spin, or reset when struck.
Many manufacturers specifically request 1/2 inch AR500 steel plates because they provide the best balance of strength, safety, and durability.
For shooting target manufacturers, working with a reliable AR500 steel supplier is essential. Key factors include:
CJM supplies AR500 steel plates for shooting targets to manufacturers worldwide, ensuring a stable and cost-effective raw material source.
For professional shooting target manufacturers, material selection determines product performance. AR500 steel plates remain the industry standard because they combine durability, safety, and fabrication flexibility. By sourcing AR500 steel sheets and plates in bulk, manufacturers can produce targets that withstand repeated use, reduce replacement costs, and meet customer expectations.
👉 Looking for a trusted AR500 steel plate supplier for targets? CJM provides abrasion-resistant plates in multiple thicknesses, available for bulk export.
Related Reading: AR500 vs AR550 vs AR600: What’s the Difference?
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