indoor range question, how thick a backstop for pistols?

daveInME

daveInME

New member
I'm planning an indoor range for my workshop.
it'a already 30' long, and in the spring will add a 4' wide by 30' extension onto it, using either poured concrete or cinder block (whichever is cheaper).

I plan on using it for pistols calibers only, and was wondering what thickness of steel backstop I need. it'll be mounted at at 45 degree angle and I'll have a HEPA air filter both down range and at the firing line for the lead dust.


TIA,
 
You need 1" minimum and I would restrict shooting any bottle neck cartridge i.e.357SIG, 17 HMR or any high velocity rounds. Eventually the backstop will bow or concave from the bullet impact, at some point you need to be able to turn it over to use the other side of the plate so it can curve back in the other direction. with that said, don’t weld the back stop to the bullet trap.
 
I am the treasure of my gun club, we are currently upgrading our bullets traps/deflector plates. We are using 3/8" 500 berneil (sp error) steel plate mounted at a 45 deg angle.
If you need a vendor info I can provide you with contact info.
 
lol ya may think I'm crazy but get several 55 gal plastic drums go to your local machine shop and fill em with there shavings and set em up. I have yet to see a bullet pass through one from just about any size gun
 
I made one using 1/2" mild steel and shot 44mag into it for years. Like somebody else said, what you have to be careful of is the high speed rounds. The velocity is more important than energy when it comes to penetrating steel.

Jack
 
found on the net from the army corp of engineers

steel plate
for up to .22 LR is 1/4" at 45 degree
up to .38 is 3/8
up to .45 is 1/2"
.223 (M193) is 5/8"

.223 (M855) is 1 inch hardened steel
 
We use 1/2" 500 Brinell Hardness Plate mounted at a 45 degree angle at our Club. I have shot 300gr. .44 Magnums without any problems. I would not want to try it with bottleneck rifle cartridges in a Handgun though.

Larry
 
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