Non SASS, bench bags

[Silver Rings SASS # 27466]

I got a couple of bench rest bags, a front and rear bag.  I used to use the club bags, which are shot bags filled with sand. What do you fill the bench rest bags with?  I would rather not use sand.

 

SR

[Dutch Wheeler]

I have always filled my bench bags with corn cob pet bedding, same as I would use in my  tumbler.  Very light weight with excellent support.

[Rex M Rugers #6621]

#8 or #9 shot would probably work , but would be awful pricey filler. I have to ask , why not sand. My bags have been full of frac sand for about 14-15 years , nary a problem.

Curious , Rex

[Zeb Gray, #36839]

Kitty litter in a heavy duty plastic bag & that into a shot bag or sewn up denim pant leg.  Sturdy, pliable & not to heavy. 

[The Original Lumpy Gritz]

Reclaim shot.

OLG

[Coho]

Used primers

[Happy Jack, SASS #20451]

Sinclair "heavy sand".  It is actually carborundum. Has uneven edges so it does not move around like shot, etc. A bag should be HEAVY. It's purpose is to provide a non-moving base. Regular old clean sand is actually second best. Best bags are from Edgewood but expensive. I have a couple.  If you use a less expensive bag like a Protektor get one with a thick handle base or you must use a "life raft" under it to keep it from rocking. Don't overstuff a bag. Lube on the ears like dry wax helps the gun track. A lightweight bag does nothing for the gun. 

[G W Wade]

I mooched a coffee can of silica sand from a friend who owns a body shop.  Like better than sand because it's dry. Sand is usually moist.   GW

[Griff]

Clean, dry sand.  Used it to fill my bags, not too heavy, not too light... they stay in place even under heavy recoiling rifles.  There might be better solutions, but none as inexpensive.

[Stump Water]

Regular old clean sand.   

 

I while back I got some new bags and loaded them with #7 shot.  Before I use them again I'll unload the shot and fill them with sand.

[Silver Rings SASS # 27466]

Thanks for the options.   I don't want to use sand because of the weight and its abrasiveness. Dutch's suggestion of corn cobs got me thinking about the ground walnut shells I use for cleaning my brass. I had a bag of it and filled the bags with it. Not as heavy as sand but seems stable. I will find out the next time I get to the range.

 

SR

 

[Sedalia Dave]

11 minutes ago, Silver Rings SASS # 27466 said:

Thanks for the options.   I don't want to use sand because of the weight and its abrasiveness. Dutch's suggestion of corn cobs got me thinking about the ground walnut shells I use for cleaning my brass. I had a bag of it and filled the bags with it. Not as heavy as sand but seems stable. I will find out the next time I get to the range.

 

SR

 

 

Let us know how that works out.

[Chili Ron]

Howdy,

Sand is to darn abrasive.

I used smashed .22 cases in a couple bags.

Real cheap at most ranges.

Best

CR

 

[Duffield, SASS #23454]

Rice works well.  Just don't let it get wet.

 

Duffield

[CodyMaverick]

7 hours ago, Dutch Wheeler said:

I have always filled my bench bags with corn cob pet betting, same as I would use in my  tumbler.  Very light weight with excellent support.

 

I really like this idea!  Next time I change out my media I'm gonna use the old stuff to fill a set of bags I got as a door prize recently.

 

Thank you!

[Moose Wesson]

1 hour ago, CodyMaverick said:

 

 I'm gonna use the old stuff to fill a set of bags

 

Thank you!

There ya go, a winner.

[Silver Rings SASS # 27466]

3 hours ago, Duffield, SASS #23454 said:

Rice works well.  Just don't let it get wet.

 

Duffield

I had heard of using rice also, but like using cat litter, was concerned with moisture.

 

SR

[Nate Kiowa Jones #6765]

Sand always seems to leak out getting all over the other things in my shooting bag. I use cat litter, the coarse white type. It' less weight and doesn't leak out. 

[Red Cent]

[Chili Ron]

Howdy,

OK for the REST, I have used one of those red plastic hornady rests

for years. I must have four or five or maybe more other rests from over the years.

The old red plastic hornady has been painted various shades of camo as well.

Its hollow and I never put anything in it.

I added one of the low wide leather bags with crushed .22 shells as filler.

Protector bag, pick one, they last a long time, probably longer than me...... ;(

 

Two shoe laces hold the bag to the rest.

Its easy and quick to adjust.  No cute little bits of hardware.

 

Many rests are useless as soon as one little part goes AWOL.

Also I have just used my range bag.  So simple.

The price and complexity of some rests is just aaaamazin to me.

Best

CR

kiss.

 

[Imis Twohofon,SASS # 46646]

Shot bag full of sand, on 50 cal ammo box w/ammo for height, stability. 

 

Imis

[Irish Pat]

Kitty litter in old money cotton bag from my bank

[Lucky R. K.]

Shot bags filled with play sand. I have used them for years, really, and have had no leaks or problems. But, whatever works for you can't be wrong.

 

Lucky