Sandbox pistol targets?

[rocktot]

Whats the thickness of sand needed to stop FMJ .40 pistol round? I would like to build some freestanding 'boxes' and fill them with sand, then just replace new boards over the front, for targets/backstops. More than 12"?

[soldier-of-the-apocalypse]

im thinking 6 inches

[Punkface]

I think box o truth did an article on this didn't he?

[Richard K]

Box o' truth confirms that one sheet of drywall and 5 1/2" of sand stopped 9mm fmj, 45 ACP FMJ, .556 FMJ, .308, 12ga slugs and hard cast 45.70. Thinking about building a sand filled box for an indoor range inside my RV barn. Where I'm stumped is some kind of self sealing face cover so that sand does not drain out after each shot. Thought of link belt material but not sure how long it would hold up.

[Zundfolge]

I think box o truth did an article on this didn't he?

Indeed he did. (http://www.theboxotruth.com/docs/bot7.htm)

[hatidua]

Test it. 90% of what I've read online about how far bullets will penetrate this or that has been WAY off when I went and tested it myself.

[Punkface]

Box o' truth confirms that one sheet of drywall and 5 1/2" of sand stopped 9mm fmj, 45 ACP FMJ, .556 FMJ, .308, 12ga slugs and hard cast 45.70. Thinking about building a sand filled box for an indoor range inside my RV barn. Where I'm stumped is some kind of self sealing face cover so that sand does not drain out after each shot. Thought of link belt material but not sure how long it would hold up.

Would a rubber type material be usable like they use in the self healing spinner targets?

[Richard K]

Would a rubber type material be usable like they use in the self healing spinner targets?

Probably would but finding an 18X18" sheet of it might be difficult.

[cstone]

Is your goal to make portable bullet traps or semi-permanent traps?

Lots of good bullet traps out there, but most all are limited by weight and size.

[merl]

keep in mind his box of sand had a hard backing of more boxes of sand. the results may have been different if a single box was used.

[cysoto]

Where I'm stumped is some kind of self sealing face cover so that sand does not drain out after each shot.
3/8" conveyor belt material is self-healing and would work well for your purposes.

A NOTE OF CAUTION:
Don't forget that there are local ordinances that prohibit discharging a firearm within city/county limits. Make sure to check with your local authorities prior to "testing" your new bullet trap.

[rocktot]

Clear poly would work to seal it, just keep rolling it up a bit. Not perfect, keep a 'bucket' same size below, catch sand, fill up.

[ray1970]

I once took a box that a pair of boots came in and filled it full of newspapers. 9mm and .45 ACP wouldn't make it through. 7.62x39 was a whole different story. Blew through the box easily.

[hatidua]

How far do y'all think a 115gr FMJ 9mm would go through solid pine?

[ray1970]

How far do y'all think a 115gr FMJ 9mm would go through solid pine?

Hmm. 6" maybe? Maybe more? Just guessing.

[Great-Kazoo]

Use phone books that have been soaked in water. I have one of these babies, sans light. $75 years ago, love garage sales. Tried to beat him up on price, he says. Come on this is an indoor range ready to go. Ok i'll take it.http://i.ebayimg.com/t/Vintage-X-Ring-Product-Centrifugal-Bullet-Trap-/00/s/NzY4WDEwMjQ=/$%28KGrHqJHJ%21sE63KsneNuBO8J0VRZBg%7E%7E60_58.JPG

X-Ring bullet trap
http://i.ebayimg.com/t/Vintage-X-Ring-Product-Centrifugal-Bullet-Trap-/00/s/NzY4WDEwMjQ=/$%28KGrHqRHJDkE63ZdBY26BO8J0PvNew%7E%7E60_58.JPGht tp://i.ebayimg.com/t/Vintage-X-Ring-Product-Centrifugal-Bullet-Trap-/00/s/NzY4WDEwMjQ=/$%28KGrHqVHJBUE63VVJTOcBO8J0Tj%28mQ%7E%7E60_58.JPG

[rocktot]

Cool, but Ive got plywood and sand. So, 10" sand will probably stop a .40 cal pistol FMJ?

[Richard K]

Use phone books that have been soaked in water. I have one of these babies, sans light. $75 years ago, love garage sales. Tried to beat him up on price, he says. Come on this is an indoor range ready to go. Ok i'll take it.http://i.ebayimg.com/t/Vintage-X-Ring-Product-Centrifugal-Bullet-Trap-/00/s/NzY4WDEwMjQ=/$%28KGrHqJHJ%21sE63KsneNuBO8J0VRZBg%7E%7E60_58.JPG

X-Ring bullet trap
http://i.ebayimg.com/t/Vintage-X-Ring-Product-Centrifugal-Bullet-Trap-/00/s/NzY4WDEwMjQ=/$%28KGrHqRHJDkE63ZdBY26BO8J0PvNew%7E%7E60_58.JPGht tp://i.ebayimg.com/t/Vintage-X-Ring-Product-Centrifugal-Bullet-Trap-/00/s/NzY4WDEwMjQ=/$%28KGrHqVHJBUE63VVJTOcBO8J0Tj%28mQ%7E%7E60_58.JPG

ME WANT!

[Richard K]

Cool, but Ive got plywood and sand. So, 10" sand will probably stop a .40 cal pistol FMJ?
No doubt.

[Great-Kazoo]

The neighbor who use to live down the block was using 12" dia tree stumps. Those units stopped any caliber hand gun , fired from 20' in their basement!

[rockhound]

Cool, but Ive got plywood and sand. So, 10" sand will probably stop a .40 cal pistol FMJ?


either that or the back wall of your garage will :)