Bullet trap question

[owejia]

I have read a lot on here about bullet traps and I reload in my basement. When I make a test load, mostly for handguns, I can walk out my basement door and shoot. What I want is a small bullet trap that I can leave outside all the time.Has anyone used a heavy hanging gong plate inside a tapered top and side metal trap to slow the bullet down before trapping it? The maximum distance will about 50 ft. Will be mostly bp and plinking loads. Thanks

[jmorris]

If you can't get an idea out of this thread, http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?26627-Bullet-trap-ideas-for-recycling-lead&highlight=build+bullet+trap I would be surprised.

[owejia]

I know what I will build, what I need to know about is the hanging plate inside. If some one else has tried it I can use their experience instead of trial and error. I'm old and tired trying to get by as easy as I can. Thanks

[jmorris]

Mine is 3/8" thick mild steel at 45 degrees, fine for all of the pistol and pistol caliber carbine loads I have shot at it. No dents or dimples.

I tested some of the left over drop with some 55 grain FMJ .223 rounds and while they do not penetrate at that angle they do damage the face. So if that would ever be in the plans you will want hard plate.

If I were going to make a small one I would go with one of the snail trap styles.

They just didn't fit my needs, mine is pretty big 8'x16' but a simple build aside from being quite heavy.

http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv5/qvideo/IMAG0892.jpg

http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv5/qvideo/IMAG0959.jpg

[newton]

A simple wood frame, using 2x8 and plywood/osb, and get an old truckbed mat or some other thick rubber thing, and then fill with sand. Rubber mat inside/behind the front board. The boolit goes through the wood, then the rubber, and gets trapped in the sand. The rubber mat keeps the sand from coming out. I am not sure how many times you can shoot the rubber mat before its done for, but I completely have shot out the front of the plywood and the rubber mat is still keeping the sand in there.

I built a 4'x4' target and the cost was less than $50. I like the sand because the boolits are not obliterated by hitting hard steel. I can melt them down and reuse them.

[nekshot]

I also use a 24 inch square by 10 inch deep box filled with sand, and I don't think you can hold in your hand and discharge any thing that will not be stopped in this trap. Hole in the top to keep it full of sand and once a year clean out the lead. I use 3/4 inch sub floor on back and front with a old coat against front between wood and sand. That helps plug the holes. When too many holes I screw another piece of plywood onto the front. Very cheap and your ability to groub will determine your size that you need. I shoot from 80 yards into mine with hanguns and it works fine.

[millsa2]

After reading this I'm going to find an old truck mat and try building one of these.

[TheGrimReaper]

Mine is 3/8" thick mild steel at 45 degrees, fine for all of the pistol and pistol caliber carbine loads I have shot at it. No dents or dimples.

I tested some of the left over drop with some 55 grain FMJ .223 rounds and while they do not penetrate at that angle they do damage the face. So if that would ever be in the plans you will want hard plate.

If I were going to make a small one I would go with one of the snail trap styles.

They just didn't fit my needs, mine is pretty big 8'x16' but a simple build aside from being quite heavy.

http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv5/qvideo/IMAG0892.jpg

http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv5/qvideo/IMAG0959.jpg



NOW that is a MAN"S BULLET TRAP!!! That is just too cool!!!

[Curlymaple42]

A horse stall mat would work! Cut in half for double layer or sand in between maybe.

[wv109323]

First I will admit that I am from West Virginia. But have you thought of part of a log 2-3 feet long maybe 24-30" in Diameter. Cheap... will last 8-10 years... makes lead recovery tough.

[Case Stuffer]

Some use a five gallon paint,sheet rock paste container (length wise) filled with ground up landcaping rubber or sand. The rubber is about 1/3 the weight of the sand.. Reports I have read stated that either of these will stop a 9MM,.38 , 45ACP . Some have also used the flexiable rubber maid type containers ,ones around 12 X 18 X 24".

Guess what I just noticed here?

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?188071-DIY-bullet-trap-Capture-your-lead