What surface should you avoid shooting bullets at to prevent ricochets?

Shooting bullets at flat, hard surfaces is particularly dangerous because such surfaces are highly reflective and can cause bullets to ricochet at unpredictable angles. When a bullet strikes a hard and flat surface, instead of being absorbed or deflected in a controllable manner, it can bounce off with considerable force and speed, posing a risk to the shooter and others nearby.

In contrast, surfaces like soft earth and vegetation are less likely to result in dangerous ricochets because they can absorb the impact of a bullet more effectively. Water may also cause bullets to splash or penetrate but tends to dissipate energy more than solid impacts. Thus, avoiding flat, hard surfaces when shooting is essential for safety and minimizing the risk of unintended projectile paths.