I want to build a backstop to shoot on my property

[masakarijoe]

So, I would like to construct a backstop at the end of my property so that I can fire .308, 5.56, and pistol rounds on my property. Unfortunately, there is no natural hill.
Rifles would be fired at about 75+ yards with a suppressor, likely from a bipod. Pistols closer so as not to annoy neighbors.
How should I start?
The Township (in Montgomery County) allows it as long as it's safe and reasonable.
Thanks guys!

[raxar]

If there's no natural hill how are going to prevent bullets from leaving your property?

[marinville]

If there's no natural hill how are going to prevent bullets from leaving your property?

I think he's going to build a backstop.

[buxbandit]

I think he's going to build a backstop.

Lol. He shoots, he scores!

[Mr_Gixxer]

At another property I used old tractor trailer tires stacked 6 high 2 rows deep staggering the rows between the stacks like bowling pins and packed full with dirt. Never had a rifle round exit the tires, even 7.62x54R. Of course you won't want to send one over the backstop. I was also 2 miles from anything behind this as well. You can find used tractor trailer tires pretty easily if you ask around.

[raxar]

I think he's going to build a backstop.

I did gather that much, but unless he builds it over 20 feet high there's a pretty decent risk of shooting over it.

[icp4life162005]

So, I would like to construct a backstop at the end of my property so that I can fire .308, 5.56, and pistol rounds on my property. Unfortunately, there is no natural hill.
Rifles would be fired at about 75+ yards with a suppressor, likely from a bipod. Pistols closer so as not to annoy neighbors.
How should I start?
The Township (in Montgomery County) allows it as long as it's safe and reasonable.
Thanks guys!

I'm in montco as well, I'll put in some labor for some range time... lol
9mm, 22lr, and 5.56 only atm.

[masakarijoe]

Thanks for the suggestions so far.
No, I don't need to make it 20 feet high. I'm not that bad of a shot, and I think that that is beyond reasonable. 6 feet or so, would be a very reasonable height.
I'm curious as to how I should construct it, how thick I should make it, and what it should be constructed of. Tires are an option, but I'd prefer to avoid using them for aesthetic reasons.
Any other thoughts, suggestions, or recommendations? Anyone willing to help me out with this project?
This will be for low volume fire, mainly for zeroing at distance, and occasional short range pistol drills. I want (and need) to keep it quiet for the neighbors.
Thanks again

[qmcorps]

On a side note, I'd check my personal liability insurance and make sure it will cover an oopsie. Not to mention, bumping it up a couple of million.

[raxar]

Thanks for the suggestions so far.
No, I don't need to make it 20 feet high. I'm not that bad of a shot, and I think that that is beyond reasonable. 6 feet or so, would be a very reasonable height.
I'm curious as to how I should construct it, how thick I should make it, and what it should be constructed of. Tires are an option, but I'd prefer to avoid using them for aesthetic reasons.
Any other thoughts, suggestions, or recommendations? Anyone willing to help me out with this project?
This will be for low volume fire, mainly for zeroing at distance, and occasional short range pistol drills. I want (and need) to keep it quiet for the neighbors.
Thanks again

I mention the height due to the very real possibility of an accidental discharge where your gun is pointed over the berm, pretty easy to do if you aren't shooting from an elevated position. A couple of years ago some guys in Lancaster county got nailed because they were shooting and one of the rounds ended up going through a window and paralyzing someone who was a considerable distance away.