I just bought a unfilled caldwell rear bag and was wondering what the best filler would be for my needs. I shoot off of a harris front bi-pod in the front and mostly shoot off a bench but occasionally shoot prone. Weight doesn't matter as long as the bag can support it. I'm very new to long range and was just wondering what everyone else recommends. I've searched and saw where people use sand, lead shot, kitty litter, air-soft balls, rice, and so on. Thanks in advance for the help.
- Thread starter bjordan
- Start date
Re: What filling for rear bag?
I get mine from Hobby Lobby. They're polystyrene beads used for stuffing dolls and such.
-Brown
I get mine from Hobby Lobby. They're polystyrene beads used for stuffing dolls and such.
-Brown
Re: What filling for rear bag?
Poly pellets my man. water proof, so they won't swell or get heavy in the rain.
i have used sand, too heavy. airsoft pellets would work.
i took some of my daughters toys (stuffed animals) she forgot about and with a quick slit of the knife and two toys later i had enough to fill my bag (which i made out of some of my old army pants.
Then i took an old name tape and had her sew the ends to the bag to create a loop where it sits on my sling
yeah .........the theme was a rear bag for the cost of my wife sewing it together for me :}
Poly pellets my man. water proof, so they won't swell or get heavy in the rain.
i have used sand, too heavy. airsoft pellets would work.
i took some of my daughters toys (stuffed animals) she forgot about and with a quick slit of the knife and two toys later i had enough to fill my bag (which i made out of some of my old army pants.
Then i took an old name tape and had her sew the ends to the bag to create a loop where it sits on my sling
yeah .........the theme was a rear bag for the cost of my wife sewing it together for me :}
Re: What filling for rear bag?
The poly pellets/beads are the way to go. You can usually find them at hobby/craft stores. My local Walmarts have them back in the crafts/fabric area in pretty large bags (enough to fill a couple rear bags with).
The poly pellets/beads are the way to go. You can usually find them at hobby/craft stores. My local Walmarts have them back in the crafts/fabric area in pretty large bags (enough to fill a couple rear bags with).
Re: What filling for rear bag?
Fill it with old (clean) cut up pantyhose. Cut it into at least
4" to 6" pieces.
I bet you like better than the poly beads. It will be lighter,
and firmer yet easily molded into the shape you want for each shot.
Sow a loop on it so you can run carabiner through it and attach it to your web gear. It will be so light you will not notice it.
Mine hangs from a flashlight ring on my web belt just behind my left kidney.
Fill it with old (clean) cut up pantyhose. Cut it into at least
4" to 6" pieces.
I bet you like better than the poly beads. It will be lighter,
and firmer yet easily molded into the shape you want for each shot.
Sow a loop on it so you can run carabiner through it and attach it to your web gear. It will be so light you will not notice it.
Mine hangs from a flashlight ring on my web belt just behind my left kidney.
Re: What filling for rear bag?
Weight doesn't matter to me, I just want somthing that molds easily and will hold it's shape. Will the polystyrene beads hold shape and mold easy? Keep the suggestions coming.
Weight doesn't matter to me, I just want somthing that molds easily and will hold it's shape. Will the polystyrene beads hold shape and mold easy? Keep the suggestions coming.
Re: What filling for rear bag?
I found beads a take it or leave it filler. I started on a very flexible rice sock so beads just didnt do it for me.
Tried everything from rice, buckwheat, chickpeas, flax seed, brown rice, lentils and now wheat.
Kind of liking wheat, it takes alot of wet to disturb it, very cheap and very bug resistant. It allows for fine tuning the bag in F-TR.
Guys I shoot with that use a benchrest adjustable front support like inert rear bags. I use a bipod and so prefer an easily adjusted rear support.
Good Luck
I found beads a take it or leave it filler. I started on a very flexible rice sock so beads just didnt do it for me.
Tried everything from rice, buckwheat, chickpeas, flax seed, brown rice, lentils and now wheat.
Kind of liking wheat, it takes alot of wet to disturb it, very cheap and very bug resistant. It allows for fine tuning the bag in F-TR.
Guys I shoot with that use a benchrest adjustable front support like inert rear bags. I use a bipod and so prefer an easily adjusted rear support.
Good Luck
Re: What filling for rear bag?
I switched to buckwheat hulls for the sake of weight. If weight were no object, I'd still be using sand.
I switched to buckwheat hulls for the sake of weight. If weight were no object, I'd still be using sand.
Re: What filling for rear bag?
If you want something that holds its shape and molds easily.
The pantyhose is better than poly beads, rice, or any loose filler.
And unless you only shoot from the bench, weight will matter.
If you want something that holds its shape and molds easily.
The pantyhose is better than poly beads, rice, or any loose filler.
And unless you only shoot from the bench, weight will matter.
Re: What filling for rear bag?
Personally I like dried beans. They work and don't readily absorb moisture (they will but it take quite a bit of moisture for an extended period of time). Not to mention they make a good alternative food source in a pinch.
Personally I like dried beans. They work and don't readily absorb moisture (they will but it take quite a bit of moisture for an extended period of time). Not to mention they make a good alternative food source in a pinch.
Re: What filling for rear bag?
If weight is no concern then sand is easiest and cheapest.
If weight is no concern then sand is easiest and cheapest.
Re: What filling for rear bag?
I currently have rice in mine and I don't think it holds shape as well as sand would. I'll probably do a new one with airsoft pellets or sand - maybe a mixture. Have shot using one of those for a relay and liked it quite a bit.
I currently have rice in mine and I don't think it holds shape as well as sand would. I'll probably do a new one with airsoft pellets or sand - maybe a mixture. Have shot using one of those for a relay and liked it quite a bit.
Re: What filling for rear bag?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bjordan</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Weight doesn't matter to me, I just want somthing that molds easily and will hold it's shape. Will the polystyrene beads hold shape and mold easy? Keep the suggestions coming. </div></div>
Yes, they will.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bjordan</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Weight doesn't matter to me, I just want somthing that molds easily and will hold it's shape. Will the polystyrene beads hold shape and mold easy? Keep the suggestions coming. </div></div>
Yes, they will.
Re: What filling for rear bag?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: PJ3</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I use air soft pellets. Cost is cheap...around $15.00. Light, easy to mold, and functional. </div></div>
Thats what I'm useing for now. I'm not 100% sold on them yet. I would like something a little firmer. Maybe I'll try adding more into my bag. I used cat litter(clean) in some smaller bags for the weight saving while I was Hunting.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: PJ3</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I use air soft pellets. Cost is cheap...around $15.00. Light, easy to mold, and functional. </div></div>
Thats what I'm useing for now. I'm not 100% sold on them yet. I would like something a little firmer. Maybe I'll try adding more into my bag. I used cat litter(clean) in some smaller bags for the weight saving while I was Hunting.
Re: What filling for rear bag?
Avoid using food products if this bag will see extended field use as you will be quite pissed when a varmint finds it.....
Avoid using food products if this bag will see extended field use as you will be quite pissed when a varmint finds it.....
Re: What filling for rear bag?
If your shooting from a bench or prone and don't have to pack it around, I would stay with sand or a variant. Go to a pet store with aquarium supplies. This sand is cleaned and will not put salt deposits on leather. A little while ago I filled a Protector long eared bag with a finely crushed rock from the pet store. A little lighter than sand and the angularity of the rock keeps it from settling as much in a string. Five bucks and it wouuld fill two of the Protector rear bags. Oh yeah, if you haven't done to many of these, do not overfill, particularly the ears.
If your shooting from a bench or prone and don't have to pack it around, I would stay with sand or a variant. Go to a pet store with aquarium supplies. This sand is cleaned and will not put salt deposits on leather. A little while ago I filled a Protector long eared bag with a finely crushed rock from the pet store. A little lighter than sand and the angularity of the rock keeps it from settling as much in a string. Five bucks and it wouuld fill two of the Protector rear bags. Oh yeah, if you haven't done to many of these, do not overfill, particularly the ears.
Re: What filling for rear bag?
If you are going to be shooting from a bench and the bag will always be in the dry use sand. Otherwise, use poly pellets. Really, the best overall choice I have found for a rear rest is this:
http://www.triadtactical.com/Red-Tac-Gear-Tactical-Pillow.html
And you will never go wrong buying from Triad.
If you are going to be shooting from a bench and the bag will always be in the dry use sand. Otherwise, use poly pellets. Really, the best overall choice I have found for a rear rest is this:
http://www.triadtactical.com/Red-Tac-Gear-Tactical-Pillow.html
And you will never go wrong buying from Triad.
Re: What filling for rear bag?
Went to Petco and bought the smallest bag of aquarium sand, I think it was about $7.00 or so. Still have 80% of the bag. If you want I'll be more than happy to give you what is left over.
Maxwell
Went to Petco and bought the smallest bag of aquarium sand, I think it was about $7.00 or so. Still have 80% of the bag. If you want I'll be more than happy to give you what is left over.
Maxwell
Re: What filling for rear bag?
I used some old polishing media [ ground walnut hulls] works great for me.
I used some old polishing media [ ground walnut hulls] works great for me.
Re: What filling for rear bag?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RESCOP4808</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Fill it with old (clean) cut up pantyhose. Cut it into at least
4" to 6" pieces.
I bet you like better than the poly beads. It will be lighter,
and firmer yet easily molded into the shape you want for each shot.
Sow a loop on it so you can run carabiner through it and attach it to your web gear. It will be so light you will not notice it.
Mine hangs from a flashlight ring on my web belt just behind my left kidney. </div></div>
Why do the pantyhose have to be clean?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RESCOP4808</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Fill it with old (clean) cut up pantyhose. Cut it into at least
4" to 6" pieces.
I bet you like better than the poly beads. It will be lighter,
and firmer yet easily molded into the shape you want for each shot.
Sow a loop on it so you can run carabiner through it and attach it to your web gear. It will be so light you will not notice it.
Mine hangs from a flashlight ring on my web belt just behind my left kidney. </div></div>
Why do the pantyhose have to be clean?
Re: What filling for rear bag?
Thanks for the suggestions, my boss actually had a really good suggestion. We had some stuff people use to put in cigarette disposal boxes at work. It looks like tiny black rocks that are a little bigger than sand but smaller than polystyrene beads. Not as heavy as sand but seems to mold and hold shape very well. I'll give it a thorough test this weekend and report back.
Thanks alot for helping a newb out.
Thanks for the suggestions, my boss actually had a really good suggestion. We had some stuff people use to put in cigarette disposal boxes at work. It looks like tiny black rocks that are a little bigger than sand but smaller than polystyrene beads. Not as heavy as sand but seems to mold and hold shape very well. I'll give it a thorough test this weekend and report back.
Thanks alot for helping a newb out.
Re: What filling for rear bag?
Zircon sand
Zircon sand
Re: What filling for rear bag?
bjordan, i'm not sure how close you are to Spruce pine NC, but if you are in the area my company recycles plastic through a granulator. the granulated ABS makes great media for any type of front or rear bag, its weight is somewhere between sand and poly styrean beads and its waterproof. best of all is we produce about 2000 lbs a day, so an endless free supply.
bjordan, i'm not sure how close you are to Spruce pine NC, but if you are in the area my company recycles plastic through a granulator. the granulated ABS makes great media for any type of front or rear bag, its weight is somewhere between sand and poly styrean beads and its waterproof. best of all is we produce about 2000 lbs a day, so an endless free supply.
Re: What filling for rear bag?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: shoot4fun</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you are going to be shooting from a bench and the bag will always be in the dry use sand. Otherwise, use poly pellets. Really, the best overall choice I have found for a rear rest is this:
http://www.triadtactical.com/Red-Tac-Gear-Tactical-Pillow.html
And you will never go wrong buying from Triad.
</div></div>
Thanks, I will check out their product. Hoping to only buy the right stuff once!
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: shoot4fun</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you are going to be shooting from a bench and the bag will always be in the dry use sand. Otherwise, use poly pellets. Really, the best overall choice I have found for a rear rest is this:
http://www.triadtactical.com/Red-Tac-Gear-Tactical-Pillow.html
And you will never go wrong buying from Triad.
</div></div>
Thanks, I will check out their product. Hoping to only buy the right stuff once!
Re: What filling for rear bag?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: showlow50</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I used some old polishing media [ ground walnut hulls] works great for me. </div></div>
That's what I have always used too.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: showlow50</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I used some old polishing media [ ground walnut hulls] works great for me. </div></div>
That's what I have always used too.
Re: What filling for rear bag?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: PJ3</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I use air soft pellets. Cost is cheap...around $15.00. Light, easy to mold, and functional. </div></div>
+1
and
Triad makes a great bag
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: PJ3</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I use air soft pellets. Cost is cheap...around $15.00. Light, easy to mold, and functional. </div></div>
+1
and
Triad makes a great bag
Re: What filling for rear bag?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: thefitter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">...Why do the pantyhose have to be clean? </div></div>
If you can keep your mind on riflery when that particular aroma is swirling around your head, you're a better man than I am.
Or not.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: thefitter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">...Why do the pantyhose have to be clean? </div></div>
If you can keep your mind on riflery when that particular aroma is swirling around your head, you're a better man than I am.
Or not.
Re: What filling for rear bag?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: PJ3</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I use air soft pellets. Cost is cheap...around $15.00. Light, easy to mold, and functional. </div></div>
Same here....Works for me so far...
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: PJ3</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I use air soft pellets. Cost is cheap...around $15.00. Light, easy to mold, and functional. </div></div>
Same here....Works for me so far...
Re: What filling for rear bag?
rice is cool. Dual purpose of course
rice is cool. Dual purpose of course
Re: What filling for rear bag?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: thefitter</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RESCOP4808</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Fill it with old (clean) cut up pantyhose. Cut it into at least
4" to 6" pieces.
I bet you like better than the poly beads. It will be lighter,
and firmer yet easily molded into the shape you want for each shot.
Sow a loop on it so you can run carabiner through it and attach it to your web gear. It will be so light you will not notice it.
Mine hangs from a flashlight ring on my web belt just behind my left kidney. </div></div>
Why do the pantyhose have to be clean? </div></div>
It's an evidence thing - dead hooker blood tends to attract police officers, and when you're doing your shooting at a range, there's likely to be lots of those types hanging around.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: thefitter</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RESCOP4808</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Fill it with old (clean) cut up pantyhose. Cut it into at least
4" to 6" pieces.
I bet you like better than the poly beads. It will be lighter,
and firmer yet easily molded into the shape you want for each shot.
Sow a loop on it so you can run carabiner through it and attach it to your web gear. It will be so light you will not notice it.
Mine hangs from a flashlight ring on my web belt just behind my left kidney. </div></div>
Why do the pantyhose have to be clean? </div></div>
It's an evidence thing - dead hooker blood tends to attract police officers, and when you're doing your shooting at a range, there's likely to be lots of those types hanging around.
Re: What filling for rear bag?
I get mine off the back of a truck. This 2000 pounds worth is going into Triad Tactical Tapered Rear Bags
I get mine off the back of a truck. This 2000 pounds worth is going into Triad Tactical Tapered Rear Bags
Re: What filling for rear bag?
Frac sand works good and is always laying around were I am working.
Frac sand works good and is always laying around were I am working.
Re: What filling for rear bag?
I use cheetos, that way when I get hungry they are right there for me, mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm,,,,cheesey deliciousness
I use cheetos, that way when I get hungry they are right there for me, mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm,,,,cheesey deliciousness
Re: What filling for rear bag?
Try using the fine sand that collects in the corners of parking lots. I still use an old sand sock filled with the sandy soot from the edges of a parade deck.
I don't think there is a standard for rear bags. Soft or firm. Its user's preference. I used to have a sand sock that was so firm that you would have to punch it for adjustment. It was great for 800-1100 meter shooting. My preference latter changed to softer socks.
Try using the fine sand that collects in the corners of parking lots. I still use an old sand sock filled with the sandy soot from the edges of a parade deck.
I don't think there is a standard for rear bags. Soft or firm. Its user's preference. I used to have a sand sock that was so firm that you would have to punch it for adjustment. It was great for 800-1100 meter shooting. My preference latter changed to softer socks.
Re: What filling for rear bag?
Poly pellets is the best answer. Light weight unlike sand and can get wet without turning to mush like rice or beans and also won't attract varmints. It's also not very expensive.
Poly pellets is the best answer. Light weight unlike sand and can get wet without turning to mush like rice or beans and also won't attract varmints. It's also not very expensive.
Re: What filling for rear bag?
I use rice right now, but I am changing over to what ever is used in desticate bags. I always store my rear bag in my case with my rifle, I thought it would be a good rust prevention. Besides I have yet to have resort to my rice for a food source.
I use rice right now, but I am changing over to what ever is used in desticate bags. I always store my rear bag in my case with my rifle, I thought it would be a good rust prevention. Besides I have yet to have resort to my rice for a food source.
Re: What filling for rear bag?
+1 for poly beads. The Hobby Lobby store that my wife frequents sells it.
I also just bought 25lbs of walnut media from Harbor Freight for $25 for my tumbler. I will be using the spent media to make another bag and try it out.
tater
+1 for poly beads. The Hobby Lobby store that my wife frequents sells it.
I also just bought 25lbs of walnut media from Harbor Freight for $25 for my tumbler. I will be using the spent media to make another bag and try it out.
tater
Re: What filling for rear bag?
Poly beads - 5 bucks at wally world for more than you need. waterproof, lightweight.
Poly beads - 5 bucks at wally world for more than you need. waterproof, lightweight.
Re: What filling for rear bag?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rob01</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Off topic, but how's Camp Horno these days AMT? </div></div>
A few new buildings, same old squadbays, and I wouldn't recommend drinking the tap watter. LOL
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rob01</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Off topic, but how's Camp Horno these days AMT? </div></div>
A few new buildings, same old squadbays, and I wouldn't recommend drinking the tap watter. LOL
Re: What filling for rear bag?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mcimma</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: PJ3</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I use air soft pellets. Cost is cheap...around $15.00. Light, easy to mold, and functional. </div></div>
Same here....Works for me so far... </div></div>
I have a little less than 32K of them here I'll probably never use, that I'll hang a bargain price on.
Part, or all, 'till gone.
PM me, if interested.........
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mcimma</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: PJ3</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I use air soft pellets. Cost is cheap...around $15.00. Light, easy to mold, and functional. </div></div>
Same here....Works for me so far... </div></div>
I have a little less than 32K of them here I'll probably never use, that I'll hang a bargain price on.
Part, or all, 'till gone.
PM me, if interested.........
Re: What filling for rear bag?
I mixed red beans and rice. The corn bread attracted ants so I took that out.
I mixed red beans and rice. The corn bread attracted ants so I took that out.
Re: What filling for rear bag?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: AMTeam4</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rob01</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Off topic, but how's Camp Horno these days AMT? </div></div>
A few new buildings, same old squadbays, and I wouldn't recommend drinking the tap watter. LOL</div></div>
LOL I was there in 88-90 with I co 3/1 but stopped back by in 2000 to show my wife around. Not much changed then.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: AMTeam4</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rob01</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Off topic, but how's Camp Horno these days AMT? </div></div>
A few new buildings, same old squadbays, and I wouldn't recommend drinking the tap watter. LOL</div></div>
LOL I was there in 88-90 with I co 3/1 but stopped back by in 2000 to show my wife around. Not much changed then.
Re: What filling for rear bag?
poly beads they use to make baggys or the read beans and rice might be the ticket in case you get hungry just and water haha
poly beads they use to make baggys or the read beans and rice might be the ticket in case you get hungry just and water haha
Where about near Spruce Pine? I'm in Johnson City.
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