(This is admittedly a shooting rather than a reloading question, but I am banking on answers based on knowledge of favorite handloads)
If I were to acquire a steel plate for use as a target, what would be the minimum thickness, that is, thick enough not to be penetrated, for use with pistol bullets of 200 grains or less? Could I expect different penetration capabilities from lead, plated, or jacketed bullets? What would be the maximum velocity to avoid damage?
Put another way, I see plates of 3/8" thickness and 1/2" thickness advertised. Any opinions on differences between the two? Any experiences with such plates with specific calibers?
TIA