Range Report Centerfire bullet trap

[MLC]

I want to set up a mobile backstop on my property.
There is the potential for agricultural use in the areas that I plan on using for shooting so I do not want to leave large deposits of lead in the soil.

My plan thus far is a box made with timber and plywood, packed with fine sand. I plan on building it onto an existing trailer chassis so I can move it with my tractor or truck.

Obviously, shooting something will leave bullet holes so I'm trying to figure out something to use as a resilient membrane on the face of the target to retain the sand and lead fragments.
I'm currently considering a sandwich of plywood, mattress foam, insulation board and homasote for the face of the backstop.
My estimation is that two 6" chambers of sand should be sufficient for receiving 22lr, 223, 223AI and 308 match and varmint bullets at 1-400 yards.

Has anyone completed a similar project?
Is 12" of tamped sand insufficient to stop a 308?

 

[M25BeastShooter]

Re: Centerfire bullet trap

The normal "standard" to stop center fire ammunition is usually 18" of sand or a 3 stacked standard issue military sandbags. If you're going make a box to shoot into I would recommend the back be two layers of railroad ties stacked in alternate directions. This will give a solid failsafe behind the sand.

The front of the box could be two layers of plywood with something like a sheet of heavy rubber sandwiched between to retain the sand and be semi-sealable to take repeated hits

 

[deersniper]

Re: Centerfire bullet trap

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MLC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I want to set up a mobile backstop on my property.
There is the potential for agricultural use in the areas that I plan on using for shooting so I do not want to leave large deposits of lead in the soil.

</div></div>

What exactly do you think the lead will do? I shoot a bit and grow a couple acres of crops. Have not seen or heard of anything detrimental to corn, soybeans, wheat, barley, etc.

Adding to the previous posters idea, a bed mat from a pickup may work good for placing between the 2 pieces of ply wood.

-dan