Shooting Bags: What to fill them with.

[flintlock.50]

So I got a set of front and rear shooting bags for Christmas. First thing I did was fill them with sand. That hasn't worked like I hoped, especially for the front bag with its two "ears". The sand is too heavy and won't stay in the ears.

So what do you fill your shooting bags with?

Thanks!

 

[Double Naught Spy]

The sand isn't too heavy. Instead, you likely failed to fill the bag fully and hence the sand doesn't stay in the ears. Add more sand, but make sure it is completely dry.

 

[Brian Pfleuger]

Yep.... If the bag is full the sand will have no where to go.

 

[varmintpopper]

Go to a pet store and buy some walnut hulls ( used for bedding) stuff your
bag with them as full as you can. Nearly as good as sand, and a lot lighter.

Good Shooting

Lindy

 

[ohen cepel]

They must be FULL. Sand is good if you want the weight. Rice is also good if you don't want/need the weight.

 

[Radiator]

I read where someone used the small decorative rocks used on the bottom of aquariums, a little lighter, but perhaps a bit pricier? Beans (dried obviously) and uncooked rice are another option, but don't get them wet, or they will start to germinate and/or mold and stink.

Mike

 

[johnbt]

I dry the sand in an oven (hey, it's humid here) and add a little baby powder or foot powder to help it flow smoothly through the funnel.

I use 'heavy sand' in mine.

Here's a comparison article.

www.6mmbr.com/sandcomparison.html

 

[Don P]

I read where someone used the small decorative rocks used on the bottom of aquariums,

And have all the sharp little edges on the gravel poking holes in the bags. What ever is put in the bags has to be small/fine enough to fill all those nooks and cranies

 

[Pahoo]

Poly-Pellets

I fill mine with polyethylene pellets. These can be either high or low density and are about 1/8" diameter. These pellets are normally used in making milk jugs and hard-hats. Will be lighter than sand. No leaks or sharp edges and will not get moldy when wet. Not to be confused with polystyrene..


Be Safe !!!

 

[gdvan01]

I used the cheapest cat litter I could find.

 

[Tuzo]

Corn media for tumbling brass works well for filling shooting rest bags. It is dry, light weight, coarse enough to not leak, and fills bags easily.