Semi-OT- shooting bag question

[awp101]

For Christmas I bought myself a new set of shooting bags. I filled the rear with lead shot but ran out before I could get the front fully filled. I used the remainder of the sand/sawdust out of the old bags (one had split thus the need for a new set ) to finish filling the front bag.

My question is: does it matter which is the heavier bag? Or is it OK as long as neither moves under recoil?

If it doesn't matter, then I'm good to go. If the front needs to be the heavier, I'll have to do some filler juggling...

[awp101]

Anyone?

[cnjarvis]

It shouldn't matter at all as long as they're stable for you. That said, I'd reclaim the lead shot from the one bag and use corn cob media to fill it instead.

[Hobie]

Yep, shot is just too expensive to sit in a bag. I know one guy who uses plastic peanuts as a bag filler! Works fine.

[Chuck 100 yd]

Some people fill their sand bags with SAND!

[kimwcook]

A shot filled bag is good and steady, but darn heavy to lug around. Rice, walnut or corn cob media work well, but don't get the bag too wet.

[awp101]

Hobie and kimwcook, I found both of those out!

I didn't know just how much they would hold so I used some leftover shot but it wasn't enough. I used a gift card to buy more shot but was still shell shocked at the price (it's been 9-10 years since I bought a 25# bag) and pert near got a hernia when I picked the rear bag up...

I like the heft and potential lack of movement but I think I'll pull some of the shot out of the rear bag and refill with some used tumbling media that I need to change out anyway.

Chuck, what sand I have left is allotted to refilling holes the dog has dug. I'd be REALLY bent out of shape if he weren't so durn cute....

Thanks!

[airedaleman]

Bird gravel for canaries and parakeets is an excellent filler for bench bags. Look for it in the pet department at WalMart.

[AJMD429]

Chicken grit from the feedstore or 'aquarium gravel' from the pet store both work. The chicken grit around here is usually coarse granite 'sand' that dries fast if it gets wet.

[dr walker]

I have always used the clay kitty litter. I've never had any problems with stability.

[Chuck 100 yd]

Actually my Bench rest bags that I use for serious BR work are filled with Zircon Sand available from BR suppliers. It is sand but is black in color and weighs about twice as much as regular sand. It makes for a very stable platform but is very spendy.

The Caldwell shooting bags I use for leverguns came filled and I think its Kitty liter. Not the used stuff from Joe`s house though.

[Sixgun]

Some people fill their sand bags with SAND!

Yep, I do. I "Think", but not sure that is why they call them sand bags

Nothin' personal, but why would you want to lug around bags filled with lead? -----------Sixgun