Building a Backstop

[HARV6]

I'd like to build a backstop for occasional rifle use. I've read a few threads here and there on the subject, and the most popular seems to be a stack of railroad ties w/ dirt or sand behind them. For my situation a double stack of railroad ties would be a lot easier than hauling and shoveling dirt. And i've found them for 4 bucks a piece. I'd be stacking about 10 on top of each other, then right behind them stacking another 10. Do yo think that would hold up well to rifle fire? Behind it would be a 200yd feild gradually sloping up to about the height of the top of the backstop. Then about 50yrds of timber before reaching the property line. According to google earth, a bullet would have to travel through another 300 yrds of timber and across a 500yrd field before it found a barn(if they even line up). Would you feel comfortable shooting 7mm Rem Mag or lighter at this backstop or should I be building something else somewhere else?

 

[klutchless]

At those distances I would put up a target and shoot no backstop.It does pay to be double or triple safe in situations with high power rifles so unless its a .50 two railroad ties thick by ten high should stop it. In reality you should be fine with just shooting you have 1200yrds behind the target 350 of which is woods.

 

[M-Cameron]

if i was building a range for any type of rifle round, i would definitely use railroad ties with an earth mound behind them........


a stray round can travel for miles, you really cant be to careful.....

also, check and make sure there are no zoning restrictions or permits you need to be aware of.

 

[Armored farmer]

I would think your backstop plan would work well for a long time before you chew up/rot out two thickness' of rr ties.

If you really want to do good...a backhoe or dozer can do a tremendous amount of work in an hour.

If you're gonna do it...consider incorporating a bullet trap in your plans. EPA is screwing with lead sources etc, etc.

 

[crossrhodes]

Back Stop

I ended up using old tires filled with and covered with dirt. I stacked 5 high and 3 deep. It's the base on which I built my berm on. The tires were free and delivered by the garage and saved them the hazmat and trucking fee friend had a bucket loader and got the dirt fill from my own property.

 

[Shadow 7D]

Like many people have said, you may not need it, but if something did happen, you could point out that you are a responsible firearms owner, and that it couldn't possible be you, since you have an effective back stop.

That said, have you considered downward sloping plates and a sand pit?