AR550 Targets: Why Serious Shooters Choose AR550 Steel Over AR500

When shopping for AR550 targets, you’ll often see both AR500 and AR550 steel offered for shooting targets. While both are abrasion-resistant steels designed for high-impact applications, AR550 provides additional hardness that makes it an excellent choice for shooters who demand maximum durability and long service life.

At MGM Targets, we manufacture premium AR550 targets because we believe quality matters. Whether you’re a recreational shooter, competitive athlete, law enforcement officer, or military professional, investing in the right steel target means more time shooting and less time replacing worn-out equipment.

What Are AR550 Targets?

AR550 targets are made from abrasion-resistant steel with a nominal hardness of approximately 550 Brinell Hardness Number (BHN). The increased hardness compared to AR500 helps the target better resist deformation from repeated bullet impacts when used within the recommended caliber and distance guidelines.

The result is a target that maintains a flatter shooting surface longer, which contributes to both durability and safe bullet fragmentation.

AR550 vs. AR500 Targets

Both AR500 and AR550 are capable target materials, but there are several reasons why many experienced shooters choose AR550.

Better Resistance to Cratering

One of the biggest advantages of AR550 steel is its increased resistance to cratering and pitting. Repeated impacts from high-velocity ammunition can eventually leave depressions in softer steel.

A smooth target face helps bullets fragment predictably downward, while cratered targets can create unpredictable bullet splash. By resisting deformation, AR550 helps maintain a safer shooting surface over time.

Longer Target Life

Because AR550 better resists wear from repeated impacts, quality AR550 targets often stay in service longer than comparable AR500 targets under similar use.

For commercial shooting ranges, training facilities, and shooters who practice regularly, this can mean fewer replacement plates and lower long-term ownership costs.

Better Performance with High-Volume Shooting

Competition shooters and professional training organizations may fire thousands of rounds in a single training session.

The additional hardness of AR550 helps targets withstand this high-volume use while maintaining their shape and performance.

Consistent Target Surface

A flatter target face not only lasts longer but also provides more consistent bullet fragmentation and predictable target movement.

This consistency is especially important for precision rifle practice and practical shooting competitions.

Why MGM Targets Uses AR550 Steel

Since 1994, MGM Targets has built a reputation for manufacturing some of the industry’s most durable steel targets.

We combine premium AR550 steel with thoughtful engineering, including:

• Precision laser-cut target plates
• Heavy-duty mounting systems
• Designed target movement to reduce stress
• Replaceable components on many target systems
• American-made craftsmanship

Every design is built with durability, safety, and performance in mind.

AR550 Targets for Every Shooter

Recreational Shooting

Whether you’re ringing steel with a .22 LR or spending the afternoon shooting pistols and centerfire rifles, AR550 targets provide instant feedback and years of dependable performance.

Competition

USPSA, Steel Challenge, and other action shooting sports demand targets that can handle constant impacts without losing their shape.

AR550 helps competitors train with equipment they can depend on season after season.

Long-Range Rifle Practice

Precision rifle shooters appreciate targets that maintain a clean, flat impact surface for consistent performance at extended distances.

MGM Targets offers AR550 gongs, silhouettes, and specialty rifle targets designed specifically for long-range practice.

Professional Training

Military and law enforcement organizations require equipment that stands up to intensive daily use.

MGM Targets’ AR550 systems are trusted nationwide because they’re built for demanding training environments where reliability matters.

Getting the Most From Your AR550 Targets

Even the highest-quality AR550 target should be used correctly to maximize performance and safety.

For the longest target life:

• Follow recommended minimum shooting distances.
• Use ammunition appropriate for steel targets.
• Avoid steel-core or armor-piercing ammunition unless the target is specifically designed for it.
• Hang targets so they can move and direct bullet fragments safely downward.
• Inspect targets regularly for excessive wear.

Proper target setup is just as important as choosing premium steel.

Why Buy AR550 Targets from MGM Targets?

MGM Targets has spent over three decades designing innovative steel targets for shooters of every skill level.

Our products are known for:

• Premium AR550 steel construction
• Exceptional durability
• Professional-grade engineering
• Made in the USA quality
• Trusted performance by military, law enforcement, competitive shooters, and recreational firearm owners

When you purchase an MGM Target, you’re investing in equipment built to deliver years of dependable performance.

Conclusion

If you’re comparing AR550 targets and AR500 targets, the difference comes down to long-term performance. The additional hardness of AR550 helps resist cratering, maintain a smoother shooting surface, and extend the life of your target when used properly.

For shooters who value durability, reliability, and consistent performance, premium AR550 targets are a smart investment.

Explore MGM Targets’ complete lineup of AR550 rifle targets, pistol targets, competition systems, and professional training equipment, and discover why serious shooters have trusted MGM Targets since 1994.