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Shooting Bags
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ridg...@voice.net
Apr 6, 2012, 10:15:08 AM4/6/12
to
I just got a new shooting bag and am debating on what to use as
filler. I don't think I want to use lead shot, with rice I'm worried
about it eventually getting bugs. I've heard some people use saw dust
but that doesn't seem heavy enough to me.
What does everybody else use?
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filler. I don't think I want to use lead shot, with rice I'm worried
about it eventually getting bugs. I've heard some people use saw dust
but that doesn't seem heavy enough to me.
What does everybody else use?
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Learn about rec.guns at http://www.recguns.net
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Stanley Schaefer
Apr 6, 2012, 12:40:39 PM4/6/12
to
On Apr 6, 8:15=A0am, ridge...@voice.net wrote:
# I just got a new shooting bag and am debating on what to use as
# filler. I don't think I want to use lead shot, with rice I'm worried
# about it eventually getting bugs. I've heard some people use saw dust
# but that doesn't seem heavy enough to me.
# What does everybody else use?
#
When I saw the title, I was thinking "shooting bag", like for hauling
guns and gear around, when what you're talking about is a benchrest
bag. I use shot myself, but the bags are small and the rest is
mechanical(and iron). Some guys use small beans. I used to use shot
bags filled with sand, what you want in that case is washed sand like
is used for kids' sandboxes. Just any old sand is likely to shed a
lot of dust. If you want something easy to move, you could use kapok
or polyester fiber. The b-in-l uses old boat cushions. They work,
but move around a lot. One reason the benchresters use shot for a
filler.
Stan
# I just got a new shooting bag and am debating on what to use as
# filler. I don't think I want to use lead shot, with rice I'm worried
# about it eventually getting bugs. I've heard some people use saw dust
# but that doesn't seem heavy enough to me.
# What does everybody else use?
#
When I saw the title, I was thinking "shooting bag", like for hauling
guns and gear around, when what you're talking about is a benchrest
bag. I use shot myself, but the bags are small and the rest is
mechanical(and iron). Some guys use small beans. I used to use shot
bags filled with sand, what you want in that case is washed sand like
is used for kids' sandboxes. Just any old sand is likely to shed a
lot of dust. If you want something easy to move, you could use kapok
or polyester fiber. The b-in-l uses old boat cushions. They work,
but move around a lot. One reason the benchresters use shot for a
filler.
Stan
Doug White
Apr 6, 2012, 12:40:40 PM4/6/12
to
ridg...@voice.net wrote in news:jlmtpc$92f$1...@news.albasani.net:
# I just got a new shooting bag and am debating on what to use as
# filler. I don't think I want to use lead shot, with rice I'm worried
# about it eventually getting bugs. I've heard some people use saw dust
# but that doesn't seem heavy enough to me.
# What does everybody else use?
Most folks use sand. Not just construction sand, but at least sandbox sand
or aquarium sand so it is clean & uniform. The top benchrest shooters
sometimes use zirconia sand, which is heavier that silicon sand.
Check out:
http://www.6mmbr.com/sandcomparison.html
Doug White
# I just got a new shooting bag and am debating on what to use as
# filler. I don't think I want to use lead shot, with rice I'm worried
# about it eventually getting bugs. I've heard some people use saw dust
# but that doesn't seem heavy enough to me.
# What does everybody else use?
Most folks use sand. Not just construction sand, but at least sandbox sand
or aquarium sand so it is clean & uniform. The top benchrest shooters
sometimes use zirconia sand, which is heavier that silicon sand.
Check out:
http://www.6mmbr.com/sandcomparison.html
Doug White
Tom
Apr 6, 2012, 12:40:41 PM4/6/12
to
I have used dry sand in some, and rice in others.
None have had any problems in many years of use.
Kind Regards,
Tom
snakehunter
Apr 6, 2012, 12:40:43 PM4/6/12
to
On Apr 6, 10:15=A0am, ridge...@voice.net wrote:
# I just got a new shooting bag and am debating on what to use as
# filler. I don't think I want to use lead shot, with rice I'm worried
# about it eventually getting bugs. I've heard some people use saw dust
# but that doesn't seem heavy enough to me.
# What does everybody else use?
I use sand
# I just got a new shooting bag and am debating on what to use as
# filler. I don't think I want to use lead shot, with rice I'm worried
# about it eventually getting bugs. I've heard some people use saw dust
# but that doesn't seem heavy enough to me.
# What does everybody else use?
I use sand
Rubaiyat of Omar Bradley
Apr 6, 2012, 12:40:44 PM4/6/12
to
On Friday, April 6, 2012 8:15:08 AM UTC-6, (unknown) wrote:
# What does everybody else use?
Gravel or clean, dry sand have about the right amount of weight. To get small amounts of clean, dry gravel try the aquarium section of a local pet store.
Depending on how well your bag is constructed, get stuff that is coarse enough so that it won't work it's way out through the seams.
# What does everybody else use?
Gravel or clean, dry sand have about the right amount of weight. To get small amounts of clean, dry gravel try the aquarium section of a local pet store.
Depending on how well your bag is constructed, get stuff that is coarse enough so that it won't work it's way out through the seams.
Wayne
Apr 6, 2012, 12:40:45 PM4/6/12
to
wrote in message news:jlmtpc$92f$1...@news.albasani.net...
#I just got a new shooting bag and am debating on what to use as
#filler. I don't think I want to use lead shot, with rice I'm worried
#about it eventually getting bugs. I've heard some people use saw dust
#but that doesn't seem heavy enough to me.
#What does everybody else use?
Sand.
byronw999
Apr 6, 2012, 12:40:47 PM4/6/12
to
Sand if you want a heavy bag (hint: use washed sand unless you like fine
grit in yer guns)... Some folks use Oil Dry... Comes in a large bag in
the auto dept for around $5
grit in yer guns)... Some folks use Oil Dry... Comes in a large bag in
the auto dept for around $5
victor
Apr 6, 2012, 12:40:51 PM4/6/12
to
I use sand, the ordinary brown kind used in kids' sandboxes.
To keep it from clumping, I washed it to remove any soluble
sticky stuff and then dried it in the oven.
20lbs was enough for one front bag and one rear bag. The trick
is to pack it tightly into the bags. Pour in a little at a time and
use
a stick to poke it down and get it to flow.
Ray
Apr 6, 2012, 6:33:39 PM4/6/12
to
"Stanley Schaefer" <sta...@prolynx.com> wrote in message
news:jln6a6$rti$1...@news.albasani.net...
# On Apr 6, 8:15=A0am, ridge...@voice.net wrote:
# # I just got a new shooting bag and am debating on what to use as
# # filler. I don't think I want to use lead shot, with rice I'm worried
# # about it eventually getting bugs. I've heard some people use saw dust
# # but that doesn't seem heavy enough to me.
# # What does everybody else use?
How about pool filter sand. About $10 a bag.
Steve W.
Apr 6, 2012, 6:33:40 PM4/6/12
to
ridg...@voice.net wrote:
# I just got a new shooting bag and am debating on what to use as
# filler. I don't think I want to use lead shot, with rice I'm worried
# about it eventually getting bugs. I've heard some people use saw dust
# but that doesn't seem heavy enough to me.
# What does everybody else use?
#
Clean sand, Black Beauty blasting grit, non-lead shot.
--
Steve W.
# I just got a new shooting bag and am debating on what to use as
# filler. I don't think I want to use lead shot, with rice I'm worried
# about it eventually getting bugs. I've heard some people use saw dust
# but that doesn't seem heavy enough to me.
# What does everybody else use?
#
Clean sand, Black Beauty blasting grit, non-lead shot.
--
Steve W.
Jim
Apr 6, 2012, 8:36:16 PM4/6/12
to
On Apr 6, 10:15=A0am, ridge...@voice.net wrote:
# I just got a new shooting bag and am debating on what to use as
# filler. I don't think I want to use lead shot, with rice I'm worried
Rice gets funky after a few humid summers. Tried it. The thought of
sand migrating out of a seam and into my gun's action is not worth the
false economy. And every spring at my range some guy drops off several
bags of "tube sand" leftover from his pickup truck for traction in the
winter and it makes a gritty mess all over the shooting benches for
weeks, so I've got a bad taste for that anyway.
I eventually filled my bag rests with a mix of plastic BBs and steel
BBs from the department store toy counter. I mixed the two to get the
weight about where I wanted it. Initially, all steel was much heavier
than necessary and made the bag stiffer than I wanted.
Jim
CH
Apr 7, 2012, 10:22:05 AM4/7/12
to
<ridg...@voice.net> wrote in message news:jlmtpc$92f$1...@news.albasani.net...
#I just got a new shooting bag and am debating on what to use as
# filler. I don't think I want to use lead shot, with rice I'm worried
# about it eventually getting bugs. I've heard some people use saw dust
# but that doesn't seem heavy enough to me.
# What does everybody else use?
Corn cob based tumbler media works if you're in a fairly dry clime.
#I just got a new shooting bag and am debating on what to use as
# filler. I don't think I want to use lead shot, with rice I'm worried
# about it eventually getting bugs. I've heard some people use saw dust
# but that doesn't seem heavy enough to me.
# What does everybody else use?
Corn cob based tumbler media works if you're in a fairly dry clime.
clarkm...@gmail.com
Apr 7, 2012, 3:45:44 PM4/7/12
to
I have had sand in small bags and I have had ground up plastic pop bottles in large bags.
I bought a bag a few months ago that is a rear bag that hangs on the sling, for long range hunting with a bipod.
Doggone good 2"x3"x4"rear field bag $35 9 ounces that is filled with polypropylene regrind.
Doggone used to grind up pop bottles that made the new bags smell like pop for a month, but lately their products do not have that pop bottle smells.
http://www.dog-gone-good.com/
I bought a bag a few months ago that is a rear bag that hangs on the sling, for long range hunting with a bipod.
Doggone good 2"x3"x4"rear field bag $35 9 ounces that is filled with polypropylene regrind.
Doggone used to grind up pop bottles that made the new bags smell like pop for a month, but lately their products do not have that pop bottle smells.
http://www.dog-gone-good.com/
Gunner Asch
Apr 8, 2012, 10:57:18 AM4/8/12
to
I use Playground Sand. A low dust fairly course grade sand that fills
both jean legs (home made from old blue jeans ) and leather bags
shooting bags, quite nicely.
Home Despot and others sell it for filling kids sandboxes
Very low dust
Beach sand works quite nicely as well.
(sort out the cigarette butts, condoms, jewelry and bottle caps as
needed)
Gunner
both jean legs (home made from old blue jeans ) and leather bags
shooting bags, quite nicely.
Home Despot and others sell it for filling kids sandboxes
Very low dust
Beach sand works quite nicely as well.
(sort out the cigarette butts, condoms, jewelry and bottle caps as
needed)
Gunner
penultimate
Apr 8, 2012, 6:41:21 PM4/8/12
to
Obviously, lots of stuff will work and some form of sand is an easy choice.=
Years ago, this is how I filled my first set of range bags.
However, today I much prefer dried beans loosely filling recycled 25lb shot=
bags stitched shut. My range bags are filled with whatever type was cheap=
est at the discount grocer 15 years ago when I made them. At the time, on =
advice of my gunsmith I spent $1.50 on beans rather than use free sand from=
a pile in the back 40. The fact that I am still using them and quite happ=
y with their function speaks to whoever it was objected with the idea that =
beans might spoil. Of course, I don't leave them lying about in the rain a=
nd to the best of my knowledge my house is vermin free. =20
Bags of beans are much tidier at the range, in the car, and at home than sa=
nd (washed or otherwise)and much more convenient to carry because of their =
lighter weight, yet are heavy enough to well-steady a rifle.=20
Also, in my experience, a range-bag filled with beans will more readily con=
form to and provide a cozy nest for forearm or butt than sand (which does n=
ot have to sit for long before it compacts into a non-compliant and hard ma=
ss. Note that I have as well sand-filled leather bags pre-shaped to include=
"nests", but see bean bags as good in the "nesting" regard. =20
But I think my most important point is bags filled with sand in use often q=
uickly compacts to a hard, non-compliant, rest. In my experience, many rif=
les shoot away from a hard forearm rest (because rifle dynamics during reco=
il act before the bullet exits the barrel) comprised of a sandbag, leading =
to a misleading zero relative to shots fired from field positions. There s=
eems in my experience to be enough give in my bean filled range bags to pre=
vent this effect. =20
In an imperfect world the advantages I claim for beans are small. The rang=
e I use has sand-filled bags sitting about on site. But I cart my bean bag=
s from home to use in preference. =20
Years ago, this is how I filled my first set of range bags.
However, today I much prefer dried beans loosely filling recycled 25lb shot=
bags stitched shut. My range bags are filled with whatever type was cheap=
est at the discount grocer 15 years ago when I made them. At the time, on =
advice of my gunsmith I spent $1.50 on beans rather than use free sand from=
a pile in the back 40. The fact that I am still using them and quite happ=
y with their function speaks to whoever it was objected with the idea that =
beans might spoil. Of course, I don't leave them lying about in the rain a=
nd to the best of my knowledge my house is vermin free. =20
Bags of beans are much tidier at the range, in the car, and at home than sa=
nd (washed or otherwise)and much more convenient to carry because of their =
lighter weight, yet are heavy enough to well-steady a rifle.=20
Also, in my experience, a range-bag filled with beans will more readily con=
form to and provide a cozy nest for forearm or butt than sand (which does n=
ot have to sit for long before it compacts into a non-compliant and hard ma=
ss. Note that I have as well sand-filled leather bags pre-shaped to include=
"nests", but see bean bags as good in the "nesting" regard. =20
But I think my most important point is bags filled with sand in use often q=
uickly compacts to a hard, non-compliant, rest. In my experience, many rif=
les shoot away from a hard forearm rest (because rifle dynamics during reco=
il act before the bullet exits the barrel) comprised of a sandbag, leading =
to a misleading zero relative to shots fired from field positions. There s=
eems in my experience to be enough give in my bean filled range bags to pre=
vent this effect. =20
In an imperfect world the advantages I claim for beans are small. The rang=
e I use has sand-filled bags sitting about on site. But I cart my bean bag=
s from home to use in preference. =20
Gerald "Brick" Brickwood
Apr 9, 2012, 4:10:46 PM4/9/12
to
Thinking on it a bit, I use the coarse ground "lizard litter" corn cob as my
tumbling media.
It's light and clean, fairly rot proof and cheap. So it should be very
usable as filler in old shot bags or cut-off jean legs for range sandbags.
Nuts, I could even use "reclaimed" (read used) tumbling media.
Jim
Apr 9, 2012, 7:31:52 PM4/9/12
to
On Apr 6, 10:15=A0am, ridge...@voice.net wrote:
# I just got a new shooting bag
I saw some guys use with what looked like a sheet of foam mattress
topper rolled up real loosely and tied with a chord so the roll was
about 18-inches in diameter. Sighting in shotguns I think. It was
funny to watch for a minute.
Stanley Schaefer
Apr 10, 2012, 9:09:00 AM4/10/12
to
On Apr 9, 5:31=A0pm, Jim <brassin...@gmail.com> wrote:
# On Apr 6, 10:15=3DA0am, ridge...@voice.net wrote:
# # I just got a new shooting bag
#
# I saw some guys use with what looked like a sheet of foam mattress
# topper rolled up real loosely and tied with a chord so the roll was
# about 18-inches in diameter. Sighting in shotguns I think. It was
# funny to watch for a minute.
#
Even more fun with a magnum revolver. The gas from the cylinder gap
will cut through most things like a knife. Just ask me about a boat
cushion and a Redhawk sometime... Winter came early that year, kapok
snowfall.
Stan
# On Apr 6, 10:15=3DA0am, ridge...@voice.net wrote:
# # I just got a new shooting bag
#
# I saw some guys use with what looked like a sheet of foam mattress
# topper rolled up real loosely and tied with a chord so the roll was
# about 18-inches in diameter. Sighting in shotguns I think. It was
# funny to watch for a minute.
#
Even more fun with a magnum revolver. The gas from the cylinder gap
will cut through most things like a knife. Just ask me about a boat
cushion and a Redhawk sometime... Winter came early that year, kapok
snowfall.
Stan
ridg...@novoicenetno.com
Apr 10, 2012, 9:09:02 AM4/10/12
to
On Sat, 7 Apr 2012 00:36:16 +0000 (UTC), Jim <brass...@gmail.com>
wrote:
#On Apr 6, 10:15=A0am, ridge...@voice.net wrote:
## I just got a new shooting bag and am debating on what to use as
## filler. I don't think I want to use lead shot, with rice I'm worried
#
#Rice gets funky after a few humid summers. Tried it. The thought of
#sand migrating out of a seam and into my gun's action is not worth the
#false economy. And every spring at my range some guy drops off several
#bags of "tube sand" leftover from his pickup truck for traction in the
#winter and it makes a gritty mess all over the shooting benches for
#weeks, so I've got a bad taste for that anyway.
#
#I eventually filled my bag rests with a mix of plastic BBs and steel
#BBs from the department store toy counter. I mixed the two to get the
#weight about where I wanted it. Initially, all steel was much heavier
#than necessary and made the bag stiffer than I wanted.
This is a good idea, just what I was looking for. Thanks!
wrote:
#On Apr 6, 10:15=A0am, ridge...@voice.net wrote:
## I just got a new shooting bag and am debating on what to use as
## filler. I don't think I want to use lead shot, with rice I'm worried
#
#Rice gets funky after a few humid summers. Tried it. The thought of
#sand migrating out of a seam and into my gun's action is not worth the
#false economy. And every spring at my range some guy drops off several
#bags of "tube sand" leftover from his pickup truck for traction in the
#winter and it makes a gritty mess all over the shooting benches for
#weeks, so I've got a bad taste for that anyway.
#
#I eventually filled my bag rests with a mix of plastic BBs and steel
#BBs from the department store toy counter. I mixed the two to get the
#weight about where I wanted it. Initially, all steel was much heavier
#than necessary and made the bag stiffer than I wanted.
This is a good idea, just what I was looking for. Thanks!
Herb Leong
May 14, 2012, 9:28:46 PM5/14/12
to
In article <jlmtpc$92f$1...@news.albasani.net>, <ridg...@voice.net> wrote:
#I just got a new shooting bag and am debating on what to use as
#filler. I don't think I want to use lead shot, with rice I'm worried
#about it eventually getting bugs. I've heard some people use saw dust
#but that doesn't seem heavy enough to me.
#What does everybody else use?
#
I use coarse crushed walnut shell.
/herb
#I just got a new shooting bag and am debating on what to use as
#filler. I don't think I want to use lead shot, with rice I'm worried
#about it eventually getting bugs. I've heard some people use saw dust
#but that doesn't seem heavy enough to me.
#What does everybody else use?
#
I use coarse crushed walnut shell.
/herb
misanthropic_curmudgeon
May 15, 2012, 8:22:41 PM5/15/12
to
On Apr 7, 4:40=A0am, Stanley Schaefer <sta...@prolynx.com> wrote:
# On Apr 6, 8:15=3DA0am, ridge...@voice.net wrote:
# # I just got a new shooting bag and am debating on what to use as
# # filler. I don't think I want to use lead shot, with rice I'm worried
# # about it eventually getting bugs. I've heard some people use saw dust
# # but that doesn't seem heavy enough to me.
# # What does everybody else use?
# #
I thought he was talking about the missus!
# I used to use shot bags filled with sand
Likwise: sand
# On Apr 6, 8:15=3DA0am, ridge...@voice.net wrote:
# # I just got a new shooting bag and am debating on what to use as
# # filler. I don't think I want to use lead shot, with rice I'm worried
# # about it eventually getting bugs. I've heard some people use saw dust
# # but that doesn't seem heavy enough to me.
# # What does everybody else use?
# #
# When I saw the title, I was thinking "shooting bag", like for hauling
# guns and gear around,
I thought he was talking about the missus!
# I used to use shot bags filled with sand
Likwise: sand
clarkm...@gmail.com
May 17, 2012, 12:48:55 PM5/17/12
to
On Tuesday, May 15, 2012 5:22:41 PM UTC-7, misanthropic_curmudgeon wrote:
#
# I thought he was talking about the missus!
#
#
# # I used to use shot bags filled with sand
#
# Likwise: sand
I think I met her.
She hangs around the range.
I asked about her, and was told, "The old bag's name is Sand."
She caught me looking down the cleavage of her rabbit ears.
I wondered if she might really be stuffed with elastomer Silicon.
I leaned forward for a closer look, but she warned me, "Don't touch while the range is cold."
We got to know each other, but the next day the wife spotted and asked about something on the passenger side of my vehicle.
I was caught having sand on my seat.
#
# I thought he was talking about the missus!
#
#
# # I used to use shot bags filled with sand
#
# Likwise: sand
I think I met her.
She hangs around the range.
I asked about her, and was told, "The old bag's name is Sand."
She caught me looking down the cleavage of her rabbit ears.
I wondered if she might really be stuffed with elastomer Silicon.
I leaned forward for a closer look, but she warned me, "Don't touch while the range is cold."
We got to know each other, but the next day the wife spotted and asked about something on the passenger side of my vehicle.
I was caught having sand on my seat.
greylock
May 19, 2012, 4:46:01 AM5/19/12
to
I use beans in surplus bank bags (basically white medium heavy canvas)
and keep them in Milsurp ammo cans. I haven't HAD a problem with
weevils yet, but of course there is a risk.
But beans - expecially if bought on sale - are pretty dang cheap to
just dump and replace if necessary.
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