Filler for Bench Rest/Shooting Bags

[CU74]

I'd like to know what you use as filler for your bench rest/shooting bags. I understand that the usual filler is sand or lead shot, but I'm trying to minimize weight.

By the time I have couple of rifles in a hard-sided case, a range bag packed with ammunition, clips, magazines, etc., plus the 1911A1 on my belt, (no range trip is complete unless some 45ACP has been sent down-range) I'm starting to look around for a pack mule.

I guess I could look into one of those Cowboy Shooter's Carts, but vanity won't let me go there - at 64, I'm not so old that I can't carry my "shooting stuff". They also look like a lot of trouble - load cart into vehicle, load "shooting "stuff" into vehicle, drive to range, unload cart, move "shooting stuff" from vehicle to cart, shoot, reverse the process.

Any of you use something other than sand or shot? Any recommendations?

 

[Jordan]

Go to the wal-mart sewing dept and ask for the poly beads that they use to stuff dolls. They are clear pastic beads a little bigger then a grain of rice.

They are light, cheap, and don't mind getting wet.

 

[VaughnT]

Second for the filler beads. I just made up a rest using one of those canvas coin bags you always see at the gunshows, and the plastic beads work wonderfully.

A buddy uses a five-pound bag of flour that he wrapped in black duct tape (gotta be tactical!).

I like mine better.

 

[Hutch]

If seen range "sandbags" filled w/ dried peas. Emergency rations of the last resort. This was before the doll-filler came along, which makes much more sense.

 

[CU74]

THANKS

Thanks for the responses. Looks like I will be taking a trip down to Wally World. Anything that is cheap, light and doesn't mind getting wet can't be bad.

VaughnT, I note you are from western SC - we lived in Clemson before moving to Kansas. I miss the ten-minute drive over to the baseball games - we only get back for a week-end series or two. I don't make it to all of Clemson's home football games either, but that's partly because I spend so much on firearms and ammunition...............

 

[pete f]

I would suggest that you talk to bench shooters and ask why they use Zirnconium sand. expressly for the wieght and the deadness of it. the gun just sits there dead, less recoil, less vibration when aiming, more accurate

 

[45crittergitter]

Some people use ground corncobs, etc. - same stuff you use in brass tumblers. Costs almost nothing, but I presume it will absorb some moisture from the air.

 

[CU74]

Thanks Again

I appreciate the responses. I'm going with the poly beads. Moisture-resistance gives them an edge over dried peas and ground corncobs. Since weight is a primary consideration, I'm not interested in sand. Besides, I'm not a competitive bench shooter, so I don't need the super-steady properties of something like zirconium sand.

Thanks again for the responses.

 

[Robert Hairless]

I used kitty litter a while back.

 

[Otherguy Overby]

Yeccch!

Robert Hairless:

I used kitty litter a while back.

You strained it first?

 

[karlsgunbunker]

I use the Tumbler Media (ground Corncobs). Works great. I'll have to look for the plastic beads.

 

[DogBonz]

you're gonna laugh

I like to use lentels. yea, the things that you put in soup. if you put them in a plastic bag first, its like shooting off of a "bean bag". Also, the lentels are cheap and biodegradeable.

 

[LiquidTension]

I got a 25lb bag of rice for about $4 from Sam's. It'll fill at least 2 full size front bags and works well...until the muzzle blast from a pistol blows a hole in the edge of the bag, at which time the rice will go everywhere when you pick it up oblivious to the problem. Not that I've ever done that

 

[VaughnT]

CU, good luck with your bag project. Next time you're down this way for a game, let me know and we'll do some shooting. If you haven't been to the Greenville Gun Club, you should. It's worth the drive.

Go 'cocks!

 

[eng23ine]

I've also seen bags filled with used .22 brass.