How do I cast a lead back stop for target box ?

KILLERPARSNIP

KILLERPARSNIP

Super member
Joined
Jul 8, 2022
Messages
1,643
Reaction score
2,734
Location
SHROPSHIRE
I have just brought a square target box for paper targets but what is the best way to cast a back stop ? Do I just pour the Molten lead into the back of the target holder ? Is there a way I can stop it sticking in there ? How thick should I make the lead back stop ?

Thanks all
 
Good question, perhaps a light layer of damp sand to pour on then 3-5mm layer of lead should work,
i've just had a new holder turn up so may be trying this next week if there is enough gas in my bottle.
 
I can't hepbwith the lead question but an alternative may be cutting several layers of carpet offcuts. Thats what i used when I made a target holder and it works pretty well the pellet can go through a few layers but ive probably used 8.
Another suggestion ive read is to use plumbers mate which is a putty like substance.
 
Yes molten lead and damp or water is a NO NO, the lead can erupt violently and abruptly, as the damp/water turns to steam. I know :eek:
If you have a blow lamp you can pour molten lead straight into the backstop, or melt it in there 10mm should be good enough. After some use run the blowlamp over it to restore the surface. Any lead will mix in with the old. May get a bit of scum forming but that can be skimmed off, warmed scraper or similar.
 
Last edited:
Fire up the charcoal bbq. Get the wife's best saucepan. Fill it with lead and place it in the hot coals.

Any holes in the tin catcher can be blocked with clay.

Once melted, pour the lead into the catcher.

Sneak the saucepan back into the kitchen.
 
I've cast many a lead backstop. I used to use a simple open pinewood mold to cast square lead plates, but these days don't bother. I just leave the molten lead in the cast iron frying pan (the best molting vessel) to cool, in a round, flat shape.

As noted, water and casting do not mix. Everything needs to be dry and remain so.

Despite lead having a low melting point, turning a substantial amount of it into a liquid state takes a serious amount of heat. I build a strong birchwood fire, so hot you can't stand close to it, place the frying pan on the hottest part of the fire (on a metal grill) and wait, adding wood to keep the fire really hot. It generally takes anywhere between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on myriad variables.

You need a way to collect the dross that accumulates on the top. A large spoon with a hole and a long extension handle (since you can't get close to the fire) works for me. The dross is the deadliest part of the process, being lead, and readily giving off dust, so treat accordingly.

If you pour the liquid metal into a mould, you need to mix the lead in the mold immediately and vigorously to take out air bubbles trapped between the metal and the mold. If you don't, you'll have a moon landscape on one side of the cast.

Even liquid lead is cool enough that you don't need anything special for the mold etc. It'll soon solidify, and doesn't really stick to anything, IME. It'll drop off the pan / mold with a satisfying 'thunk.'

I find 10mm or so stops any pellet I throw at the backstop (my strongest airguns do about 33 ft. lbs. at the muzzle). That is, if the pellet has enough kinetic energy to do it, c. 20 ft.lbs. on up. 12 ft.lbs. would be really iffy, due to the frequent ricochets.

A paradox of the lead backstop is that the more powerful your airgun is, the safer the backstop gets: high-KE pellets basically disappear into it, like a bright drop of metallic paint. Another hugely beneficial paradox is that a lead backstop is the only backstop in the world that gets stronger the more you shoot into it. It's a forever backstop!
 
KILLERPARSNIP said:
I have just brought a square target box for paper targets but what is the best way to cast a back stop ? Do I just pour the Molten lead into the back of the target holder ? Is there a way I can stop it sticking in there ? How thick should I make the lead back stop ?

Thanks all
Click to expand...
I use plumbers putty in a wolfman store pellet trap , it’s good
 
I've melted my own back stops in the past with a blow torch, oven tray and outside; but wouldn't bother again for most of the reasons already stated!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top