Rebar vs Mild Steel in Target Stands

This article examines the differences between rebar and mild steel rod when hit by a bullet.

  • Rebar in Australia is generally 12mm Grade 500 Class N. This has a typical Brinell Hardness rating of 180.
  • Mild steel typically has a Brinell Hardness rating of 140.
  • The lowest grade of bullet resistant steel has a Brinell Hardness rating of 400, most bullet resistant steel is rated 500.

As such both rebar and mild steel rod are less than half the minimum hardness required to resist bullet impact. Both will be penetrated by most centrefire calibres.

The impact of a bullet on either rebar or mild steel rod will be virtually identical.