Where to test home made ballistic wall (section)

NC-rifle

NC-rifle

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Is there any place within an hour of Greensboro to shoot a test wall section?
I have watched many videos of shooting "ballistic barriers" and sand filled walls seem to perform very well.
One issue is weight; so limiting the amount of sand needed (wall thickness) to stop both 5.56 NATO and 7.62x51 NATO (308 Win) is my goal.
This sketch is my idea. From what I have seen, 3.5" of sand with plywood on both sides should do the job up to 7.62x39 (AK). So this test with 3" thickness may save some weight.



Ballistic_Test_Target_wall2.jpg
 
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Think about steel studs. They have cutouts that sand will flow into so you won’t have weak spots as you will with wood studs.

I would expect that with a 6’ tall cavity the pressure on the cement board will cause it to leak sand at the bottom. Glue and screw, at least.

Reinforcing first floor walls won’t be too hard from underneith, but put that structure in before you add sand.

Oh, and don’t plan to sell your house.
 
NCLivingBrit said:
How about home made armour panels from welding blankets and epoxy? Just make a giant press out of two sheets of plywood and many weights.

Click to expand...

Two sheets of plastic over the plywood and a vacuum pump would get you all the pressure you need.
 
Thanks for the suggestions on how you would make a bullet resistant section.
I have reasons for the front and back panels I want to test. Plain sand with drywall on both sides and plywood on both sides is on YouTube.
Like the topic title says, "

Where to test home made ballistic wall (section)?"​

 
You'll need an outdoor range. I would call Wesmar. Never been there but i have heard about it.
www.facebook.com

WesMar Shooting Range | Facebook

Owner Operator Keith R. Hedgecock Hours of operation: Wednesday and Thursday 10:00-4:00 Friday and Saturday 10:00-5:00 1492 Horneytown Rd., High Point NC 27265 Ph. 336-362-3710.
www.facebook.com www.facebook.com
 
Thanks for the tip.
I just phoned them (WesMar). They only allow paper targets on the rifle range.
 
I am looking to test an idea for an affordable ballistic barrier of commonly available materials.
The range(s) I use only allow paper targets...
Here is the sample test section I want to try with 5.56 and 7.62 FMJ.
Post - home made barrier
 
NC-rifle said:
Is there any place within an hour of Greensboro to shoot a test wall section?
Click to expand...

Depends.... do you own a suppressor ?

I would not think 4" of sand would stop a 7.62x39
 
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Sorry, I don't have suppressor for my rifles.
I am trying to find the least amount of sand to stop these rounds (even if only once) with common, inexpensive materials.
I spent lots of time viewing posts and videos others have posted.
 
Sand probably a better idea anyway since it’s self healing.
 
NC-rifle said:
Sorry, I don't have suppressor for my rifles.
I am trying to find the least amount of sand to stop these rounds (even if only once) with common, inexpensive materials.
I spent lots of time viewing posts and videos others have posted.
Click to expand...

Take thrillhill up on his offer. You’ll likely learn something and have a literal blast. There is no downside to that road trip.
 
It's likely going to have to be private land due to liability issues for ranges.
 
NC-rifle said:
Sorry, I don't have suppressor for my rifles.
I am trying to find the least amount of sand to stop these rounds (even if only once) with common, inexpensive materials.
I spent lots of time viewing posts and videos others have posted.
Click to expand...


I have a hollow metal box about 5" thick about 2' x 2.5" sheet metal (probably 3/32" thick with the front open. The open front was covered by thin plywood and a rubber floormat (this is the target side). The box was filled with play sand from Lowes.

If I shoot one round into it with a 22LR the sand stops the bullet. If I by some accident, I manage a followup shot that is very close to the impact of the first round (like 1/2" or so) the bullet will dent the back of the metal box.

So..undisturbed sand will stop a 22LR but once disturbed, it wont. My guess is the initial impact creates a temporary cavity when it impacts the sand.
 
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That is good/interesting test results. Thanks for sharing.
5" of sand alone seems not enough. YouTube videos of shooting plain sand bags confirms this, but the thicker part of a sand bag used for flood abatement stops 5.56/7.62

From what I have read, to minimize the amount of sand, the front barrier and rear barrier are important.
My theory is the front barrier needs to make the bullet tumble or mushroom, or fragment; letting the sand absorb energy easier (less penetration).
Lots of YouTube videos shooting hollow concrete building blocks. The first "rib" trips the bullet, the space allows it to tumble, and the second rib has less energy to stop. However, those tests show 7.62x51 (308 win) going through the second "rib" since it is brittle and the space doesn't absorb energy. I searched high and low for a video that shot hollow blocks filled with sand, didn't see any. A typical block has 5" space to fill with sand.

Unfortunately, I have noticed that sand out of the bag has some moisture content. So, the initial fill of the cavity needs packing. Then the sand dries and it will hold shape/fill until a light poke with my finger shows it settles more; needing a little more packing and filling. This complicates testing or construction. Your experience seems to indirectly support that the initial fill of sand holds shape (hole) after the first round penetrates partially. Also a 4-5 foot high barrier will have the weight of sand above to try and self heal a lower 1st round path. Perhaps I should fill my test section, let dry a couple days, repack and top off with sand.

A sheet metal rear barrier has the advantage of deforming to stop the remaining energy. Instead of brittle cracking, etc. I don't think we need 3/32" thick steel rear barrier if used with a good front barrier and a reasonable amount of sand (3-5 inches?).
 
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thrillhill said:
Got em merged.

@NC-rifle , you are welcome to come out to my house in the woods for this. I'll pm later this evening. I'm about 45 minutes from GBO. We shoot all kinds of media out here.
Click to expand...
Thanks to "thrillhill" for hosting the test. Testing completed today, success!

This is the ammo used:
5.56x45 NATO 62gr LAP "Greeen Tip" PMC X-Tac 2920 fps box (16"?), 3100 fps from my 20" (shown PMC web site)
7.62x51 NATO 150gr FMJ M80 IMI systems 2670 fps older ammo (~2015), current 2796 fps (tested by others)

Rifles: (fired 20 yards from target)
AR-15 5.56 NATO 20" barrel 1:7 twist
AR-10 308 WIN 20" barrel 1:10 twist

Ballistic_Wall_ammo-crop.jpg

PMC_X-TAC_M855_spec.JPG
 
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RESULTS:
The test section stopped the 5.56 "Green TIp". The bullet entered the front cement board and was stopped by the sand. No mark on the steel sheet metal back.

Firing the 7.62 NATO round at the test section that had 3" of wood inside (2x4 sideways), the bullet entered and exited with nice round holes.
Firing the 7.62 NATO round at the test section filled with sand, the bullet hit the sheet metal steel back, made a large dent, but did not exit the back. Success!



Ballistic_Test_762_rear.jpg

Ballistic_Test_Target(Front).jpg
 
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Interesting info for backstops as well. Thanks for testing and sharing.
 
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