When choosing the right steel targets for your shooting setup, a common question arises: AR500 vs. AR550 - does it really matter?
The short answer is yes, especially if you're shooting rifles. The difference between these two armor-grade steels directly affects durability, safety, and long-term performance.
Understanding AR Steel Basics
"AR" stands for Abrasion Resistant, and the number refers to the Brinell Hardness Number (BHN).
AR500: Typically 460–544 BHN
AR550: Typically closer to 550 BHN
Both AR500 and AR550 are quenched and heat-treated abrasion-resistant steels, originally developed for high-wear industries such as mining and material handling, making them ideal materials for steel shooting targets.
AR500 Steel: Proven and Versatile
AR500 has long been the industry standard due to its excellent balance of hardness, toughness, and affordability.
- Performance highlights:
Performs very well for handguns, rimfire, and most general rifle use
Widely used for steel targets because of its availability and cost-effectiveness
Suitable for magnum pistol calibers and many short-action rifles
- Limitations:
With high-velocity rifle rounds such as 5.56 NATO or .223, AR500 can develop pitting over time
Pitting may lead to unpredictable bullet fragmentation, reducing long-term safety
Why AR550 Steel Performs Better for Rifles
High-velocity rifle rounds exert significantly more energy and impact force, making material hardness a critical factor.
Extensive testing with 5.56 and .308 rounds has shown that AR550 steel dramatically outperforms AR500 in rifle-rated applications.
Key Benefits of AR550 Steel
Higher hardness (~550 BHN): Better resistance to deformation and surface damage
Superior high-velocity performance: Handles repeated rifle impacts with minimal pitting
Longer target lifespan: Reduced wear means fewer replacements over time
Improved safety: Smoother surfaces maintain more predictable spall patterns
Although the minimum shooting distances remain the same as AR500, users report significantly reduced pitting, even at distances under 100 yards.
AR500 vs. AR550: Quick Comparison
| Feature | AR500 Steel | AR550 Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Hardness (BHN) | 460–544 | ~550 |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Pistol & Rimfire Use | Excellent | Excellent |
| Rifle Use (5.56 / .308) | Good, may pit over time | Excellent, minimal pitting |
| Target Lifespan | Moderate to long | Long |
| Recommended For | General shooting, budget setups | Military, law enforcement, high-volume clubs |
Not All AR500 and AR550 Are the Same
Even if two plates are both labeled "AR500" or "AR550", performance can vary significantly.
Why?
- Different steel mills use different chemical compositions
- Heat treatment processes vary
- Actual BHN values can differ from mill to mill
That's why reputable suppliers source steel only from trusted mills and conduct extensive live-fire testing-often thousands of rounds-before releasing targets to the market.
What is AR500 material?
What is AR500 Steel? Much like AR450 and AR400, AR500 steel is a specific type of abrasion resistant steel with a surface hardness of 477-534 BHN. It is a high-carbon steel alloy that provides greater impact and sliding abrasion resistance by comparison.
What is an AR500 plate?
What Is AR500 Steel? AR500 is a hardened steel plate that offers abrasion resistance and the ability to withstand high-impact applications and excessive wear. Due to these properties, many manufacturers rely on AR500 steel for mining purposes, truck plows, armored applications, targets, and more.
What is the meaning of AR500?
AR500 Steel: A specific type of high-carbon steel known for its hardness and durability. The "AR" stands for "Abrasion Resistant," and the "500" refers to its Brinell hardness number. This makes AR500 a superior steel, especially when it
Why is AR500 steel so expensive?
AR500 steel is generally more expensive than other types of steel due to its high strength and hardness. However, its durability and resistance to abrasion make it a cost-effective choice for applications where other materials may wear out quickly.
What is the lifespan of AR500 steel?
What is the lifespan of our armor? A: Generally speaking, AR500 Armor's ballistic steel armor plates have a shelf-life of 20 years. Polyethylene plates (UHMWPE) and ceramic armor plates have a shelf-life of 5 years
How long does AR500 armor last?
Our FragLock™ coating is designed to last 20-years. The ballistic steel core of our body armor has an indefinite shelf life as long as the coating is not compromised and exposes it to moisture, to include sweat.