Project Appleseed

Your Appleseed State Board => Wisconsin => Topic started by: bedford on April 27, 2010, 08:34:29 AM

Title: Firing line surface
Post by: bedford on April 27, 2010, 08:34:29 AM
I have been having trouble with getting a sand point well at my range, and I don't  think grass is going to grow strong enough without watering to stand up to being a firing line.  When I made my berm, all the good soil was pushed into the berm, and all that is left is sand.  I hate shooting on a sand surface, as it is soft (hard to keep NPOA), and no matter how careful you are, it gets in everything.

I cannot afford to get a drilled well.  How about wood chips?  Gravel?  Astroturf?  Any other good options?

Thanks!
Title: Re: Firing line surface
Post by: sgtrock on April 27, 2010, 08:41:55 AM
Crusher run works well aka Item #4, stays put, durable surface, to make softer you can put pea stone or 1a's on it,,, sgtrock
Title: Re: Firing line surface
Post by: bedford on April 27, 2010, 09:16:24 AM
What is "crusher run"?

Thanks!
Title: Re: Firing line surface
Post by: sgtrock on April 28, 2010, 08:33:41 AM
Crushed rock, with stone dust, it provides a very stable base to be covered with what ever you like.
   It is a lot better than bank run, item #4, crusher run will bind together, and not blow up a bunch of sand in the wind,
Title: Re: Firing line surface
Post by: SamD on April 28, 2010, 10:34:56 AM
Really need to but down a load of ABC (Aggregate Base Course, <3/4" with all residue and a little clay) and compact it real well. That will stabilize your surface.
Top that with crusher fines (<3/8" with all residue which is rock dust) and compact.  it'll be pretty stable and pack down well.

Any organics you put down will have to be constantly renewed as it rots and will never be really stable
Title: Re: Firing line surface
Post by: bedford on April 28, 2010, 05:29:41 PM
Thank you for explaining it. 

Bedford
Title: Re: Firing line surface
Post by: Reckless Rick on April 29, 2010, 12:07:55 AM
oats or alfalfa could  be a quick fix for this year
Title: Re: Firing line surface
Post by: SamD on April 29, 2010, 12:25:20 AM
Bedford,
I forgot good old "soil cement".
If you throw concrete mix on your soil (10-15%) by volume, rototill it into the top 6", drive on it to compact then sprinkle thoroughly, it'll cure up pretty decent.

We make temporary runways that way and they hold up pretty decently. Wouldn't park a semi on it but it is fairly durable.
Title: Re: Firing line surface
Post by: Camljr on April 29, 2010, 03:12:22 AM

Check out "decomposed granite"

http://www.soilbuildingsystems.com/RockData.php#

Description: As granite rock decomposes over millions of years it becomes what is commonly known as decomposed granite gravel. It packs well yet lets water drain through. It is high in trace minerals and environmentally safe.

Naturally occuring Decomposed Granite starts out as solid granite rock that over time is compressed over millions of years and broke down creating a natural gravel. At Kafka Granite we offer naturally occuring decomposed granite (D.G.) screened to size and we also crush solid quarry rock to create essentially the same type of material. Both naturally occuring decomposed granite and crushed stone screenings are completely organic and environmentally safe.

Our Decomposed Granite and Crushed Stone screenings are 1/4"- with fines. This makes them pack well and create a firmer surface than many gravels, but still allow water to permeate through. Decomposed Granite and Crushed Stone screenings work great for low traffic walkways, residential driveways, nature paths, dog runs, bike trails, and garden trails.

If you are considering using Decomposed Granite or Crushed Stone for commercial applications or in high traffic areas, Stabilized Decomposed Granite & Crushed Stone may be more suitable for your project.