Building a range at home question

S

savagelover

New member
Maybe not the place to post this but I need to know.

I have woods all around my place,it is state land..Anyway on to the question..I have built a wall of logs about 2 1/2 foot think or more..Do you suppose if I stacked pressure treated 6x6's in front of this that it would be pretty safe to shoot at? About all my shooting will be with a 22-250 and with varmit bullets and some 45-70's from my trap door rifle which are not that hot..Sometime when I can do it I plan to put a pile of dirt behind it...But not right away....I just want to be able to shoot without driving for an hour to a range....Thanks for your imput on this.....John
 
I think the that big pile of dirt may need to be a bit more of a priority. Bullets have a way of finding their way between cracks even in commercial ranges. Wood also rots, gets termites, and will shift as it settles. There are good reasons why rifle ranges have large dirt backstops not wood ones.
 
Dirt, the more the better. Wood dissipates at a very fast rate when you shoot at it very often. Even if you don't shoot often you have just created a lot of surface area for weathering. It will not last long at all. Otherwise a big angled bullet trap to deflect and catch your bullets is the alternative to dirt, that can be expensive. No wood.
 
Big round logs have a way becoming nearly zero thickness where they stack on top of each other. They also rot and soften with time, some species become mulch in a year or two. Pile up the dirt now, with that landscaping timber both front and rear. Place the dirt in 6" lifts, with compacting of each layer. Rent a mechanical compactor for a day.
 
You're getting good advice on the dirt instead of wood.

Remember the state property behind you that could have a number of people strolling through it.

YOU are responsible for every round you fire.
 
all good answers...My plan IS to do the dirt pile but in a month or so..These logs are all green locust,fresh cut..so they should last a few years anyway..But the dirt is still gonna be done...And I plan to put up posters saying caution rifle range....I jusy wonder how much to put behind it now..I am thinking maybe two or three ten ton loads should do it..and maybe skip the timbers..I first thought of building a huge box and filling it full of sand..like maybe 15 foot thick....thanks again...john:o
 
I have a truck and a trailer if I need to use that...Never seen any sand bags around for sale.You talking,full ones or empty? Maybe lowes or home depot has bags..
 
Your "sign" won't help in court! I'm no lawyer but I'm pretty sure about that. If a bullet gets thru and just happens to hurt something/someone the sign won't matter!
 
Simple solution, buy an 800 gallon underground fuel tank.

Dig the hole for the tank next to your shop with a backhoe.

Take the dirt you just removed from the ground and pile it up behind the logs.

Then fill the fuel tank when the prices dip a little.

:o It worked for me. :o
 
Check w/ your local excavators. A load of sand or fill delivered may be pretty cheap or free. Just tell them where to put it and your done.
 
Used tires stacked as the frame work, filled with dirt...And a berm behind them for further support. Provide sand traps in the impact areas for eay removal/ recycle of lead. Grow some good ground cover on the back of berm to control berm erosion.
 
You might get homeowner insurance issues. There was a major incident a few years back
when State Farm cancelled a range builder.:mad:
 
Savagelover

Check at your local Ace Hardware. Mine allways has a few at a reasonable price.

When I build a target I like to use a catcher system.

Build a lean to and cover it with about 3 to 4 feet of dirt, Hang your targets inside the lean to. This will prevent a strays from escaping.

Used a similiar system on a test range after some 50 cal bullet penetration test went a stray.
 
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