Constructing a backstop

MK14 SEI

MK14 SEI

Gunny Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Feb 24, 2009
1,095
2
US
#1
I'm not sure I'm posting this in the correct board, but here it goes.

I am building a compact single lane 100+ yard rifle range on my farm property and need to know how much (depth front to back)
Georgia RED Clay is required to stop a 7.62 x 51 fired from 100 yards. Width and height will be easier to build once I have the correct depth.

Also, I will have a small steel gong that I can easily relocate from 100 yards to the furthest distance (maybe 150 yards)...
I need ideas on how best to contain any deflections or ricochets. All targets will be rather low to the ground and most of
the shooting will be done from a prone position and I may use a bench to zero.

The site and flight path have already been established.

Thank you.



.
 
#2
Re: Constructing a backstop

A foot of dirt would probley stop it but the problem is repeated hits. I have my berm 7' tall 8'thick at the bottom and 6' at the top in a U shape and I only have 100 yards too. Try and make it at least 6' thick so that the rain and use of it doesn't make it something you have to fix every time out. I used scrap tin and poles to make a wall and then piled my dirt in front of it. This makes it to were you use less dirt to get the same height, other wise you'll have a pyarmid shape mound. If you got alot of dirt then thats cool but I didn't. I also put scrap tin on the top so the rain won't wash it away. Try and make the face as straight up as you can, this helps keep the pistol rounds from going over the top.
 
#3
Re: Constructing a backstop

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: nut job</div><div class="ubbcode-body">A foot of dirt would probley stop it but the problem is repeated hits. I have my berm 7' tall 8'thick at the bottom and 6' at the top in a U shape and I only have 100 yards too. Try and make it at least 6' thick so that the rain and use of it doesn't make it something you have to fix every time out. I used scrap tin and poles to make a wall and then piled my dirt in front of it. This makes it to were you use less dirt to get the same height, other wise you'll have a pyarmid shape mound. If you got alot of dirt then thats cool but I didn't. I also put scrap tin on the top so the rain won't wash it away. Try and make the face as straight up as you can, this helps keep the pistol rounds from going over the top. </div></div>


Excellent - thank you.

I do have a good bit of dirt, we had a pool built last year and I had all of the leftover dirt dumped very close to were the backstop will sit.
The U shape was planned from the get go and I think I will plant a shrubbery on top for Erosion Control... everything but the target area will be covered with vegetation.


Bring Me A Shrubbery!
 
#4
Re: Constructing a backstop

I'd build it probably 25-30% taller than what you actually want, it is amazing how much a pile of dirt can erode and melt down. I had my dirt backstop built for my 1000y range about 16' tall. I spread seed on it and never got enough rain to get it going. Then we entered a bad five month drought. I bet I lost an inch a week to wind erosion alone. It's probably only 12' tall or so now.
Just something to keep in mind....
 
#5
Re: Constructing a backstop

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lucks</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'd build it probably 25-30% taller than what you actually want, it is amazing how much a pile of dirt can erode and meltdown. I had my dirt backstop built for my 1000y range about 16' tall. I spread seed on it and never got enough rain to get it going. Then we entered a bad five month drought. I bet I lost an inch a week to wind erosion alone. It's probably only 12' tall or so now.
Just something to keep in mind.... </div></div>

Excellent points, but my situation allows me to water what I plant... I bet some native blackberry would protect it and the pie & cobbler would be a nice bonus
smile.gif
 
#6
Re: Constructing a backstop

What is in the target background? If it's woodland, then anything that escapes the impact berm will be pretty easily stopped if it's dense woodlands, but open ground can be a different story, especially if it's occupied.

As a friend of mine (Marine CWO2 Gunner) once told me when I presented a similar question to him:<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">As long as the guy in charge of the facility understands that a mitigating berm is just that, a pile of dirt, and not a magical bulletproof force field, he should have little trouble.</div></div>

Also, like others above said, it's not necessarily how thick it is as you're pretty unlikely to ever penetrate it. It's all about the height. Take a look at this table here:
5529818284_97838a1441.jpg


This is from table 6-1 in the US Army Range Safety publication:
http://www.apd.army.mil/pdffiles/p385_63.pdf

You'll get your thickness pretty easily with you building up your height.

Get your berm high enough to where you can't see anything beyond it from your farthest firing position you don't want shot, and ensure you're only allowing safe and accurate fire on your personal range.
 
#8
Re: Constructing a backstop

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ggmanning</div><div class="ubbcode-body">We use 4x4s set vertically and stack tires on them. If it will be shot very often you can do 2 offset rows. Then cover it all with dirt. </div></div>

That's a good idea, thanks
 
#9
Re: Constructing a backstop

The NRA has a good book on range design layouts and safety considerations.

May be of interest to you.
 
#11
Re: Constructing a backstop

One of my co-workers on his land also built a range. He went and purchased old railroad timbers, and installed them in a concave pattern(from the shooters perspective.) He filled in behind the timbers with sand, and figures he'll refill sand annually if needed, depending on erosion/use of range. I don't recall if he used anything to keep the sand captured however? ? sorry!
frown.gif



I believe his range is 175yds, and is mostly used for 5.56/7.62 rounds.

I think the suggestions made above by Army and NRA will be good places to start!

I applaud you for being conscientious of it vs just saying "F-it, I'll do it my way!"

Good luck with your project!!

-G45
 
#12
Re: Constructing a backstop

UPDATE:

My range is built and I'm now looking for a steel gong that is
angled down and one that will handle repeated hits of 7.62x51

Suggestions for a high quality steel gong are appreciated.

Thanks
 
#15
Re: Constructing a backstop

I built mine into a hill, but that being said, I did have plans to use railroad ties to make a half a Hexagon Style design. Flat in back and then 45 Degrees either way for ricochets. I got the ties for nothing, but you can use them to build up a pretty nice retaining wall. You can either put large fence posts in front, or sink a 6x6 or two in front of them for stability while you are building up the sides and back. Lots of work, but in the end its a great looking shooting area that works well.
 
#18
Re: Constructing a backstop

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: H2O MAN</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lucks</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'd build it probably 25-30% taller than what you actually want, it is amazing how much a pile of dirt can erode and meltdown. I had my dirt backstop built for my 1000y range about 16' tall. I spread seed on it and never got enough rain to get it going. Then we entered a bad five month drought. I bet I lost an inch a week to wind erosion alone. It's probably only 12' tall or so now.
Just something to keep in mind.... </div></div>

Excellent points, but my situation allows me to water what I plant... I bet some native blackberry would protect it and the pie & cobbler would be a nice bonus
smile.gif
</div></div>

You ARE kidding about eating anything that gets grown above a hill saturated with lead, right? Just making sure . . .

Jim G
 
#19
Re: Constructing a backstop

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JimGnitecki</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: H2O MAN</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lucks</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'd build it probably 25-30% taller than what you actually want, it is amazing how much a pile of dirt can erode and meltdown. I had my dirt backstop built for my 1000y range about 16' tall. I spread seed on it and never got enough rain to get it going. Then we entered a bad five month drought. I bet I lost an inch a week to wind erosion alone. It's probably only 12' tall or so now.
Just something to keep in mind.... </div></div>

Excellent points, but my situation allows me to water what I plant... I bet some native blackberry would protect it and the pie & cobbler would be a nice bonus
smile.gif
</div></div>

You ARE kidding about eating anything that gets grown above a hill saturated with lead, right? Just making sure . . .

Jim G </div></div>

Probably safer that those hot dogs I just ate...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

M
Accuracy using MagnetoSpeed Sporter Chronograph
Replies
19
Views
2K
Chris1972
C
blbennett1288
2025 Mammoth Fort Chaffee AAR
Replies
4
Views
358
BillyBeards
B
TheMoondog
Tract Toric UHD 27-55 spotter review
Replies
0
Views
1K
TheMoondog
TheMoondog
F
2024 Legion Memorial Run and Gun, Honoring the Fallen as a Family
Replies
9
Views
690
FatBoy
F
Halfnutz
CMP M1 Advanced Maintenance Course-Build your own "Expert Grade".
Replies
8
Views
1K
Halfnutz
Halfnutz
Top Bottom
Back
Home
Forums
Merch
Alerts