Want to build a berm

2890 Views 23 Replies 13 Participants Last post by Beladran, Feb 16, 2011

shoeshooter

Discussion Starter · Feb 13, 2011

For several months I've been toying with the idea of putting a little range here on my 1 1/2 acres. I've located a spot that will give me 75 yards, maybe a little more. The natural terrain gives me better than a 8' rise to the property line, about 15' to the horizon in my neighbors dormant pasture. I google-mapped the line of fire, and there's nothing but the occasional road for miles. I think I'd be very comfortable with a berm about 9' tall by 8' wide, considering the existing grade. I'm going to have a backhoe out here shortly to rebuild my septic system, so if that bid comes in low enough I may piggyback this project onto it.

One question is how much dirt do I need? Earlier I did some research and came up with 20 - 24 yards. Sound about right? How many yards in your average dump truck? Any ballpark on the price?

Should I get any certain type of material, being concerned about angle of repose among other things? How much compaction? Any other thoughts, ideas, concerns I should consider?

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SubGunFan

· #5 · Feb 14, 2011

Say a berm 8' tall and 9' wide (better wider than tall) I calculate about 34 yards of dirt.

However, another suggestion. If only you and your wife are shooting there (very controlled shooting), how about 1 or 2 of those large round hay bales. Much cheaper than dirt and no EPA issues later on (haul the bales away and replace then). If you are worried about the possibility of a 30-06 going through a bale, place 2 bales back to back. I would think hay bales would last at least 2 years before time to replace. Round hay bales are big and should give plenty of target area.............

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SubGunFan

· #11 · Feb 14, 2011

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SubGunFan

· #17 · Feb 15, 2011

How much do the large roll hay bales cost? What about ones that have been rained on? I understand it is bad for animal food if they get rained on too much.

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SubGunFan

· #19 · Feb 15, 2011

WOW.... that is less than I thought. I would have guessed over $100 due to their size.

Hey Shoe, order 4 bales................ and some plywood (not chipboard).

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SubGunFan

· #22 · Feb 16, 2011

shoeshooter said:
Oh, what's with the plywood? Why not just use my usual target stand with cardboard?

Hmmmm..... good point. Saves a little $$$ and the neighbors don't see old targets in the backyard......

Just thought it would be easy to walk up and staple your targets to the plywood. No carrying and setting up target stands each time....

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