I have this big chunk of steel......

[57schwada]

And I'm not sure what it is. I'm thinking it's AR plate???
It's 36" x 24" x 3/4" and that bugger is heavy - Say 180+! We have shot everything from .22LR to 300Wby with no effects other than the typical splashing. However, you can see that there are seven or so holes completely through it. I suspect that they may be from 50BMG armor piercing. Do you guys thing that it is AR plate?

 

[jeromy0408]

I think it is. It looks like it's only 1/16inch thick though.

 

[Clay Pigeon]

I doubt its ar plate, it will turn brown outside but not rust like that.
It can be many things but I dont think its it ar400 -ar500, or any abrasive or hardened plate.
Put a grinder disk or a sawzaw to it and i bet it will grind or cut easily.. Unlike ar plate.

 

[57schwada]

Thanks guys..... I do have the typical Bass Pro purchased AR plate - and correct, the new stuff doesn't rust. I failed to mention that this plate is "antique", from the 1940's era.
On another note, this plate was cut out using a cutting torch. As for the thickness -see below.

 

[KokomoDave]

Most likely CRS. Cold Rolled Steel.

 

[57schwada]

Thanks guys!
So, Kokomo Dave, Wouldn't something like 460 Smith and Wesson, or the 300 Weatherby have a tendency to get into that steel and leave a bit of a crater? Reason I'm asking is that I've shot into the softer steels, and even with a 5.56 there was quite the crater. Sorry, not a metallurgist.
Cheers!

 

[KokomoDave]

Back in the day the metal might have been scrape steel from the war era or quite possibly be what millwrights (me) refer to as "boiler plate". It's plenty tough. One swipe of a gas axe and you can usually tell or spark test it using a handheld 4" grinder. There are charts and what not on the 'net.

 

[ljk]

Do a file test, use a mill bastard file, find a smooth spot, run a few passes.

Then do the same thing on piece of know mild steel, try to feel if there's any difference.

 

[57schwada]

WOW.... Thanks guys! I may have to do that test. So..... given that this stuff holds up to typical sub 50 cal rifles, Think it's worth anything???

 

[KokomoDave]

Sure! Best doggone target ever!!

 

[churchmouse]

Sure! Best doggone target ever!!

This.

 

[JUGGERSEVENSIXTWO]

Stay back a least 200 yards shooting that thing.I saw a guy on youtube shooting steel with a barret and the round came back hit his hearing protection.
could have been allot worse.Nothing like the sound of steel when you hit it.