salt bag /sandbag

[Elijah Gunn]

I am blessed in that I can shoot here at my home. In my backyard is a big pile of dirt that is my backstop. It's about 5ft. high. I'd like to make it be several feet higher to catch any accidental flyers we might make while shooting.
I was thinking a wall of sandbags would do the job. Money is tight, so instead of buying the sandbags I thought about using the bags that our water softener salt comes in. Anyone here ever try doing this?
I'd like to glue the bags shut instead of tying them like a regular sandbag so that the wall of bags can be a little more wide,and neatly stacked.
My question is, what kind of glue would best hold the plastic salt  bags shut?
I know the bags wouldn't last long if they were the primary bullet stop, but like I said these will be placed on top of the dirt pile to catch any wild shots.
Thanks, EG

[montveil]

You might try burlap bags with "soil concrete" Old Army" use of 1 part, cement to 13 parts of native soil. The reason for burlap bags is the bags will semi attach to each other , especially if you tamp while placing them so some of the mix filters through the mesh. Dry soil is the best as it is easier to mix the cement  into and easier to filter through the mesh. The  water them to activate the cement. You can play with the ratio to get what you think is best for you needs

[Keith L]

There was a gun club about five miles from here that counted on a berm behind their rifle range to stop bullets.  A few years ago while folks were getting ready for deer hunting several rounds made it through the berm and hit a house nearly a mile away.  This ended the life of the rifle range.  Everyone was sure that the range was safe until that happened.

I always am concerned when I hear anyone is using a dirt pile to stop bullets since that time.  I shoot from home as well, but have the good fortune to have a deep gravel pit to shoot into for a backstop.  Whatever you decide to do be careful.

[CannonKrazy]

 Another idea is to stack a bunch of car tires close together stagering the rows and fill them with sand. This works pretty good and they don't fall apart after a few months.

[S.S.]

I agree staggered car tires filled with dirt work well.

[Elijah Gunn]

I hadn't really thought about using tires filled with sand. I also shoot black powder so I'm wondering if a light load that hits the tires dead on could be bounced straight back at me. Not a lethal proposition, but I sure wouldn't like it.
Keith L. , I appreciate, and understand your concern. There is over 100 yards of thick woods behind the backstop so I feel confident that it's safe. Life does involve risks tho. I hear neighbors who shoot all the time. There aren't any bullet holes in my house yet.