What type of impact media should not be used for direct fire weapons?

Steel impact media should not be used for direct fire weapons due to the high risk of ricochet and the potential for dangerous fragmentation. When projectiles strike a hard surface like steel, they can bounce off at unpredictable angles, which poses significant safety hazards to personnel and equipment in the vicinity. The goal of using impact media is to safely absorb the energy of the projectile and mitigate the risk of unintended damage or injury. Unlike softer materials that can deform and capture the bullet, steel can create hazardous projectiles that can travel far beyond the intended impact zone, making it unsuitable for direct fire scenarios where safety is paramount.

Conversely, soft targets, rubber dummies, and plywood sheets are designed to absorb impacts more effectively and reduce the chances of ricochet or shrapnel, thus making them safer alternatives for training with direct fire weapons.