Need ideas on how to build a solid backstop

[LARscout0311]

Hey guys, I've lurked here for a but think I posted once.
Anyway, I'm looking at getting some land soon and needing some ideas on how to build a berm that will stop a .30-06 in 2ft or less.

 

[weav199]

In 2 ft.? How bout large tree trunk wall? Big 2 ft. Logs. Or concrete?

 

[dennishoddy]

Are you talking a dirt berm?

The 50BMG will penetrate 4' of earth.
I'm not sure on the 30-06, but I have a berm 6' thick and 10' high in my yard that I test loads on. Never had a problem.

 

[LARscout0311]

Ya i have no intention to pop .50cal cause i dont own any and .30-06 is the largest caliber i own. I figure 2' of dirt is enough but i think ill make a berm at least 5' thick.

 

[Honeybee]

5 feet is more than enough but put wood up in front of it to hang targets from and make sure there is nothing for at least a mile behind you just in case one goes over the berm... it happens at Tulsa gun club and the berm is 20 feet high.

Bullets have been found on the National Guard tarmac

 

[dennishoddy]

5 feet is more than enough but put wood up in front of it to hang targets from and make sure there is nothing for at least a mile behind you just in case one goes over the berm... it happens at Tulsa gun club and the berm is 20 feet high.

Bullets have been found on the National Guard tarmac

Very true. It takes little to deflect a bullet.
While in the military, shooting tracers, it was amazing the direction bullets would travel when shooting at targets on flat ground. Introduce a steel frame, etc, it all matters.

 

[264killer]

inclose it on sides & back with railroad ties , dump chat or gravel next to ties as u fill it with dirt to keep the ties from rotting

 

[NikatKimber]

I shot a soft point .270 into dirt at about 30yds once. It didn't go 6 inches. Before stopping it turned inside out and shaved/melted off nearly all the lead core. I'm sure an FJM round would go a lot further.

Dirt is a *Very* effective bullet stop, but I wouldn't intentionally build a backstop only 2' thick.

 

[TwoForFlinching]

Double Stack of RR timbers, 5 feet of dirt, double stack of RR timbers

 

[LARscout0311]

Ive been thinking that it will be a three sided berm. All three sides made of RR ties as backing, fill with dirt a good couple of feet deep and then RR ties in the front at the bottom for support.
Being former military I also know how little it take to deflect a bullet and wanting to eliminate as much of that potential as possible. Thanks for the tips so far.