Shooting AR500 steel with 7.62X39

[JustinCase]

So, I have 3/8 AR500 hardened steel targets and Ill be shooting them with 7.62X39.

What is the safe distance to be away when firing?

Personal experience gives high rank in replies.

Thx,
JC

[jdonovan]

The manufacturers all say 100 yds for rifles on steel. I've never seen any recommendation for less than that.

A 12 degree ( or more) lean toward the shooter does a great deal to direct fragments down into the ground and not back at the shooter.

I've run rifles on steel @ 50 yds, but they were all angled down targets and all the frames/supporting structure presented no 90 degree angles to the shooters.

Splash back from steel is real, and dangerous.

I have been struck and injured from pistol calibers on steel @ 25 yds.

[JustinCase]

Helpful info, thanks much for the feedback!
JC