Bullet Trap Plans

**MMH** · November 5th, 2021, 07:06 AM

I want to build a bullet trap so I can shoot inside my pole barn. I can get out to 50 feet and would just be shooting pistols/PCCs.

I am thinking about something that has a 2' x 2' opening and can make it plenty deep. Want some guidance as to what angles the back plates should be to minimize bounce back, lead dusting, etc. I am guessing that .25" thick plate should be sufficient, but don't really know.

**Rural Ruger** · November 5th, 2021, 08:19 AM

Mild steel deforms fairly easily. Granted you're talking about rounds hitting on an angle so it wont take the full force, but I'd probably go thicker than 1/4" for the strike surface. Especially for hotter loads and lots of PCC use (velocity implications). I assume you're talking centerfire use... rimfire shouldn't be much issue.

Dont know about the angle, but I'd guess you'd want it at 45 degrees, maybe more.

**bigandy1966** · November 5th, 2021, 08:22 AM

try ar500 plates at a 45degree and the important thing is the medium in the bottom, I say use cat litter. the porus clay colapses down absorbing the impact l

**cephas** · November 5th, 2021, 08:58 AM

Built one quite awhile ago to catch cast in back of the garage.
Quite a few ideas here, exhaustive thread: https://castboolits.gunloads.com/sho...recycling-lead

**West Chester** · November 5th, 2021, 06:47 PM

Lots of horse stall mat layered in front of the steel ar500 back plate will prevent splash and easily be replaced once shot out

**Brick** · November 5th, 2021, 07:24 PM

Ever see the "clearing drums" that used to be set up outside of Army finance offices or MP stations. Just a 55 gallon drum set at an angle and filled with rock free soil or sand. Why not a 55 gallon drum filled with sand set on a pedestal with a plywood disc to hold the sand in and serve as a target carrier? Cheap, easy to build, large enough target area, 18" of soil will stop most rounds, at least according to Army manuals.

**WCMG** · November 7th, 2021, 09:16 AM

Minimally a 45 degree slope with 1/2" AR-500 for backing with sand at the base. Last you a lifetime and since it's only you shooting, doesn't need to be all that big of bullet trap. 1/4" AR500 will work, but go with the 1/2" AR500 if it's in your budget and then you won't need to worry when you shoot that bigger pistol. As someone else posted, make sure to install a blast shield in front, such as a piece of used thin conveyor belt on sides and back, so you don't get any bullet flakes coming back at you.