Shooting bag filler

I recently bought a Caldwell Tackdriver forend rest (never been used for $20!) for sighting in. After researching and over-researching I've come to the conclusion that cat litter (unused :P ) is going to be the most cost-effective filler. It seems like in the US the go to is plastic beads; but they all seem to cost a fortune here. And; being a diabetic don't really want to sell off a kidney to pay for an expensive filler ;) So..... is cat litter suitable? I did read to use non-clumping..... Thanks in advance :)

Cheap rice

I used that nice white sand from a bunker at Millbrook Resort's golf course.

:thumbsup:

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Originally Posted by bumblefoot

I recently bought a Caldwell Tackdriver forend rest (never been used for $20!) for sighting in. After researching and over-researching I've come to the conclusion that cat litter (unused :P ) is going to be the most cost-effective filler. It seems like in the US the go to is plastic beads; but they all seem to cost a fortune here. And; being a diabetic don't really want to sell off a kidney to pay for an expensive filler ;) So..... is cat litter suitable? I did read to use non-clumping..... Thanks in advance :)

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You can also try aquarium sand from a pet shop, tumble media or pop-corn kernels (my go to)


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@mickhunter was once giving bags of the plastic stuff to fill them. I haven't found a rearbag to put mine in yet. The upholster said it was going to be cheaper to buy one than him make me one

@charliehorse I was really fortunate to get the unused one for $20!

I just put a bread bag inside another one and filled them with crusher dust. Works fine.

I have used a few things. Rice was handy when hunting as if you needed a feed, there was always rice. I've recently filled one with beans out of a bean bag as is very very light weight and they seem to mould together fairly well. Sand is another great option but very heavy if carrying

When I was looking for the same, I read that any foodstuff is a temptation for mice, so best to avoid. I went for crystallised kitty litter which does the job.

I should have mentioned that it will be used for sighting in etc; not in the field

Lentils, it's the only good use for them as they taste like shit (unless you cook them with enough bacon to make them taste like bacon).

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Originally Posted by bumblefoot

I should have mentioned that it will be used for sighting in etc; not in the field

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Use something heavy then. I use garnet/glass blasting media, which is like fine sand.


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Originally Posted by janleroux

You can also try aquarium sand from a pet shop, tumble media or pop-corn kernels (my go to)


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Could be fun if your barrel gets really hot! :D

I use cheap pasta, I think it cost me $6. Before that I was using gravel which worked fine but was dusty and heavy.

what about the ball from bean bags.. buy them from spot light

Be warned if you use edible substances as a filler ( rice pasta etc ) when you take it out of the garage / shed to use it, it will have mouse holes in it and you will have fat mice.

Bumblefoot, your in Taranaki, jut go to the beach and get iron sand, dry it and sift if you want, but its dense and heavy, perfect for a shooting bag.

Thank you everyone! :)

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Originally Posted by charliehorse

@mickhunter was once giving bags of the plastic stuff to fill them. I haven't found a rearbag to put mine in yet. The upholster said it was going to be cheaper to buy one than him make me one

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sorry for the hijack- we make rifle rear bags and gear bags for your pack in Wellington- check instagram s_l_outdoors or email us at sloutdoorsnz@gmail.com
some of the boys on here have tried our stuff @craigc @stuart

cheers
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