Albert 888 Posted October 11, 2012 Report Share Posted October 11, 2012 Just a thought. Thinking of making a target holder for A4 size targets for practice and zeroing the .223. Was thinking about using 3/4" or thicker plate and adding layers of rubber belting over the top to pin the paper to and stop ricochets and maybe a layer of ply in the middle. We have all kinds of rubber type stuff to cover the steel with at work. Any thoughts on this,or would it be better using a few sleepers or a natural backstop. I have seen what different calibers can do do steel so just asking. Cheers Albert Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Imperfection Posted October 11, 2012 Report Share Posted October 11, 2012 If you're in any doubt it might be easier if you just used sand as a backstop as this will stop a bullet dead. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
njc110381 Posted October 11, 2012 Report Share Posted October 11, 2012 I assume the holder will be used with a backstop? Or are you hoping to make something that will stop the bullet? I make target holders with two lengths of flat bar about 2 feet long with a piece of lino screwed between them. You can staple the target to the lino and it lasts for ages. When it's shot out unbolt it and fit a new piece. Stopping a .223 round isn't easy. The best I've seen for that is a welded box with a sloped top/rear so the bullet hits it and deflects into the ground. That way the steel doesn't actually have to catch the bullet, rather just change it's direction. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Browning Posted October 11, 2012 Report Share Posted October 11, 2012 Why not just go for a simple piece of plywood that you can staple your targets to, then use a natural safe backstop? Much cheaper and much lighter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Albert 888 Posted October 11, 2012 Author Report Share Posted October 11, 2012 I assume the holder will be used with a backstop? Or are you hoping to make something that will stop the bullet? I make target holders with two lengths of flat bar about 2 feet long with a piece of lino screwed between them. You can staple the target to the lino and it lasts for ages. When it's shot out unbolt it and fit a new piece. Stopping a .223 round isn't easy. The best I've seen for that is a welded box with a sloped top/rear so the bullet hits it and deflects into the ground. That way the steel doesn't actually have to catch the bullet, rather just change it's direction. Yes sorry i should have put down i have a backstop. Just wanted to stop the bullet dead.The one you have seen sounds good. I have seen a bullet stop - catcher that uses angled steel plates and a catch pot,to enable recovery of lead. Looks like i may use rubber belting and a wood frame in the end or plywood. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Albert 888 Posted October 11, 2012 Author Report Share Posted October 11, 2012 Why not just go for a simple piece of plywood that you can staple your targets to, then use a natural safe backstop? Much cheaper and much lighter. Thats what im doing at the moment.Rather the bullet stopped at the target.. Cost isnt an issue as i can use scrap at work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bewsher500 Posted October 11, 2012 Report Share Posted October 11, 2012 what happens if you miss the bullet catcher? polystyrene pizza base, a bamboo skewer and a soft earth bank. does what is needed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Albert 888 Posted October 11, 2012 Author Report Share Posted October 11, 2012 what happens if you miss the bullet catcher? polystyrene pizza base, a bamboo skewer and a soft earth bank. does what is needed If it happens to miss the catcher it will hit the safe back stop. I would rather be safe than sorry.And at no point did i say there wouldnt be a safe backstop. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catweazle Posted October 11, 2012 Report Share Posted October 11, 2012 High velocity jacketed rifle bullets will melt lumps out of steel, even if it's at an angle. If you're target shooting you'll have many hits in the same place, I don't reckon the steel will last long. Perhaps something made from sandbags would be a better idea. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swiss.tony Posted October 11, 2012 Report Share Posted October 11, 2012 (edited) Just a thought. Thinking of making a target holder for A4 size targets for practice and zeroing the .223. Was thinking about using 3/4" or thicker plate and adding layers of rubber belting over the top to pin the paper to and stop ricochets and maybe a layer of ply in the middle. We have all kinds of rubber type stuff to cover the steel with at work. Any thoughts on this,or would it be better using a few sleepers or a natural backstop. I have seen what different calibers can do do steel so just asking. Cheers Albert heres mine takes a4 targets all cut out at back so bullets pass straight though 4 magnets to hold target 1 of lads on here made it for me and its class Edited October 11, 2012 by swiss.tony Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SPARKIE Posted October 11, 2012 Report Share Posted October 11, 2012 heres some of minei make...i make and sell custom target holders . i make loads of different ones and have supplied loads of shooters on here over the years and there reasonably priced....martyn. www.derbytargets.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dicehorn Posted October 11, 2012 Report Share Posted October 11, 2012 When it comes to targets made of steel - there is steel and there is steel. The ones I have are off cuts from the steel used to make steel buckets that go on earth moving vehicles. Made from steel about 6 mm thick - you cannot drill them with conventional drills (originally cut by laser) At 100 yds with a 6.5 they at worst put a dent of 2 thou in the plate. http://i438.photobucket.com/albums/qq101/wyndog/SamPeter.jpg As for a target holder, a simple one made of wood that folds up for transit is easy enough to make using a few feet of 2 x 1 batten Apart from batten you will need: http://i438.photobucket.com/albums/qq101/wyndog/TargetHolder001.jpg Assembly: http://i438.photobucket.com/albums/qq101/wyndog/TargetHolder004.jpg http://i438.photobucket.com/albums/qq101/wyndog/TargetHolder005.jpg http://i438.photobucket.com/albums/qq101/wyndog/TargetHolder006.jpg http://i438.photobucket.com/albums/qq101/wyndog/TargetHolder007.jpg Peter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kent Posted October 11, 2012 Report Share Posted October 11, 2012 your on the wrong lines with this one i think, steel (of the correct type and thickness) makes good knock over plates were its dead safe IMO thats about it with C/F rifles. If you need to think better taget backer for a backstop before your actual backstop then i am tempted to be frightened by your main backstop quality, though i havent seen it think on- you cant call a bullet back. Bits of old ply and a staple gun to fasten the targets work fine, or Plaster board scraps with aim points drawn on when its not wet can be pressed into service if i have a load of bits about. A cheap sheet of ply and a circular saw and you have target backers that wont create a ricochet (like steel can) and will last ages, add a couple screws and a bit of slate batten and jobs sorted. If you fancy walking 300+ yards into a field like mine with a lump of steel under your arm it will just take you longer to compose yourself and get you heart rate to relax again back at the firing point A good backstop is rising soft ground without lots of hard objects lying around. The steeper the angle the better, the higher the apex above target the better Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
njc110381 Posted October 11, 2012 Report Share Posted October 11, 2012 Allowing the steel to move a bit will really help. You could try putting a hinge on the angled top/back so it can lift slightly when hit. Anything that's going to last a lot of centrefire hits is going to be heavy though. I think the rubber and wood idea is best for ease of use. Having said that my lino and steel holders last for ages and don't fall apart or split like ply and post types. I've made mine quite light, I can carry it in a backpack without knowing it's there because the pegs roll up in the lino. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Albert 888 Posted October 12, 2012 Author Report Share Posted October 12, 2012 Cheers and thanks for the possitive comments information and pictures. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Albert 888 Posted October 12, 2012 Author Report Share Posted October 12, 2012 your on the wrong lines with this one i think, steel (of the correct type and thickness) makes good knock over plates were its dead safe IMO thats about it with C/F rifles. If you need to think better taget backer for a backstop before your actual backstop then i am tempted to be frightened by your main backstop quality, though i havent seen it think on- you cant call a bullet back. Bits of old ply and a staple gun to fasten the targets work fine, or Plaster board scraps with aim points drawn on when its not wet can be pressed into service if i have a load of bits about. A cheap sheet of ply and a circular saw and you have target backers that wont create a ricochet (like steel can) and will last ages, add a couple screws and a bit of slate batten and jobs sorted. If you fancy walking 300+ yards into a field like mine with a lump of steel under your arm it will just take you longer to compose yourself and get you heart rate to relax again back at the firing point A good backstop is rising soft ground without lots of hard objects lying around. The steeper the angle the better, the higher the apex above target the better The holder is to use on a mates land not my permission,just an idea we had thought about. His backstop is classed as a little mountain in wales.large hill in england. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vince Green Posted October 12, 2012 Report Share Posted October 12, 2012 (edited) Whats wrong with an old estate agents for sale sign like the rest of us use? the pole cut down and sharpened to a point then hammered into the ground Edited October 12, 2012 by Vince Green Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thunderbird Posted October 12, 2012 Report Share Posted October 12, 2012 Whats wrong with an old estate agents for sale sign like the rest of us use? the pole cut down and sharpened to a point then hammered into the ground Exactly, they're just standing around in people's gardens... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
landrover Posted October 12, 2012 Report Share Posted October 12, 2012 heres some of minei make...i make and sell custom target holders . i make loads of different ones and have supplied loads of shooters on here over the years and there reasonably priced....martyn. www.derbytargets.com i use one of these and cannot fault them,as you say you have the backstop Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Albert 888 Posted October 12, 2012 Author Report Share Posted October 12, 2012 I could fill the back of a transit van with sand and use that,then when one side has that many holes in it use the other side. Do you think i should get a petrol or diesel one? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kent Posted October 12, 2012 Report Share Posted October 12, 2012 I could fill the back of a transit van with sand and use that,then when one side has that many holes in it use the other side. Do you think i should get a petrol or diesel one? Fuel type is unimportant - just make sure its washed plasterers sand !!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Albert 888 Posted October 12, 2012 Author Report Share Posted October 12, 2012 ok cheers. It wont be moving to far so mpg isnt that important. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kent Posted October 12, 2012 Report Share Posted October 12, 2012 i don't think you will find a petrol transit these days though anyhow Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catweazle Posted October 12, 2012 Report Share Posted October 12, 2012 A few years ago in East London it was quite common for dodgy builders to steal a transit van, knock the back windows out, use it as a skip and dump it around the corner from the job. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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