At what minimum distance should shooters avoid engaging steel targets?

The minimum distance of 10 yards for engaging steel targets is based on safety considerations related to the potential for ricochet and the impact of bullets on the steel surface. When bullets strike steel targets, especially at close range, they can deform and create fragments that may ricochet back towards the shooter or bystanders. Setting the engagement distance at 10 yards helps to ensure that any ricocheting fragments and debris are less likely to reach the shooter, thereby minimizing the risk of injury.

Furthermore, shooting at steel targets from an appropriate distance allows for proper assessment of the impacts, ensuring that the shooter can safely observe the target without being in a danger zone. This distance strikes a balance between the effective use of steel targets for training or competition while accepting the inherent risks involved with shooting at reactive surfaces. Always adhering to these safety distances is crucial to maintain a safe shooting environment.