Caldwell Shooting Bags

[SavageEagle]

Just got my first pair today from Midway. These are unfilled and I read that you should NOT fill them with sand as they will bust. So what should I use to fill these with? Pea gravel? Bean bag beans? Popcorn Foam?

Thats just what I have on hand. Ok, I don't have pea gravel, but I know where to get it.

So what would be best to fill these with? Want to get it done before Saturday so I can get my .30-30 to the range...

 

[JByer323]

I've used dried beans before...

 

[SavageEagle]

What kind? How did it hold up? What about rice?

 

[JByer323]

I'd look at something along the lines of dried navy beans. It held up fine, but I believe we were shooting mostly rimfire with it. The only downside to rice is it sucks up moisture in the air, and it would be pretty gross to end up with mildewy rive in a rest bag.

ETA: Dried peas, or feeder corn would probably work too. The point is, it's cheap, and easy to replace.

 

[G McBride]

What about filling them with airsoft plastic BB's?

 

[SavageEagle]

The beans might work good. Although I do have some old bean bags the kids never use anymore. Maybe I could steal some outta the bags...

Airsoft sounds good too. I'd probably need about 15K of them but they aren't THAT expensive. If the bean bag idea doesn't work due to age, I might go that route. After pointing out the moisture sucking rice, I would think other organics would do the same overtime....

 

[SavageEagle]

Well I filled them pretty full with bean bag foam. I'm sure after a few shots they'll start desinegrating but I have 3 bean bags the kids don't use so it's not like there's a shortage! LOL

 

[JcJ]

What about filling them with airsoft plastic BB's?

 

[smokingman]

I did some of these 4 or 5 years ago and still use them.I used feed corn(whole corn)and they work great! You can buy a 20lb bag very cheaply at tractor supply and it is enough to fill 6 or more(I had left over).

 

[whiskeytangofoxtrot]

I have always used rice in any bag that I've used. It packs nicely, and can be manipulated with a little force. Rice is very good especially in a bag that your stock is resting on, you can control you vertical steadiness very easy.

As for the bags that I use, they are just socks. Yes, I'm a hillbilly.

I figured moisture would be a problem, but it never has been. Just don't leave your bags out in the open or mice will carry it away...

 

[karlsgunbunker]

Corn Cob media, same stuff you use to polish brass.

 

[BE Mike]

I was thinking of crushed walnut hulls, like I get at the pet store. It wouldn't swell if it got wet like corn, corn cob, rice, etc. You might want to check this out:

http://www.exploreproducts.com/caldwell-rifle-rest-shooting-bag-magnum-extended.htm:

 

[SavageEagle]

Ok, Bean bag foam.... BAD IDEA. May try plastic BB's or something like pea gravel, but then again I might just buy the filler from Caldwell. Dam thing sunk after two shots!

 

[Slab]

fishtank rocks?

 

[SavageEagle]

lighter than pea gravel. Depends on if it's cheaper than the filler that Caldwell uses...

 

[jeremy]

I used old shot bags and fill them with sand sewing the end back together.
The bags come free when you buy shot for reloading.

 

[BobDaniels]

As for the bags that I use, they are just socks. Yes, I'm a hillbilly.

Okay, you've got my interest. Mind sharing a pic or some sort of description? (I ask because I have tons of old socks laying around)

Thank you!

 

[whiskeytangofoxtrot]

I just take a sock, It's gonna have to be a good one, no holes! I fill one sock up with 1LB rice, and knot the end. You will need to leave a little bit of room in it, but tie it off so that it sits in a sort of a ball.

When using it compacts nicely, just squeeze to raise, or release to let it settle. I've had good success with it. Heck I learned it at a shooting school taught by two former military marksmen. It got me to 1000yds.

Either way, the filler is going to have to be something that will pack easily. This helps you hold your vertical shot. Airsoft pellets do not work well, tried that. Fishtank rocks probably would work.

 

[BobDaniels]

Thank you, wtf. Much more simple than I pictured, though, I tend to make things more complicated than they need to be! I was picturing a couple of socks taped/sewn together or something along those lines.

Pretty niffty idea, then you can use just about anything laying around as a rest and use the sock for stability. This is why I like this site so much!

 

[whiskeytangofoxtrot]

No much simpler. These guys had it all figured out. Between the training and the BSing at that course, the best money I have ever spent.