Home made "exploding" targets?

[trophyhusband]

And by "exploding", I mean something that gives a good visual when hit, not an incendiary device.

What gives a good visual when hit from long range? I know that a shaken can of cheap soda gives the effect that I'm looking for at close range, but what about a 2 liter bottle? From a long range the effect of shaking it would go away by the time the shot was placed but would it still blow? Has anyone tried baby powder or corn starch in a ballon? Any other ideas?

 

[Diamondt]

It is said Roy Weatherby used to shoot 5 gallon (metal) cans filled with water to demonstrate the effective shock of his 300 magnum cartridge-- I have done this and it is very entertaining.
I have a target made from a piece of 1.5" plate, 48" across, with a 13.5" hole in the center; welded some small angle iron in a "V" pattern on the lower rear of the center hole, and place damaged 16" or 18" floor tiles sourced from Home depot in them. Paint the back of the tile red, the steel portion gets a new coat of white every few months, and the tile explodes on impact. Not quite as dramatic, but no doubt if you hit the tile center of the target.

 

[Browninglover1]

I've shot 20 oz soda bottles at 600 yards with my 22-250 and they blew up nice. I think you could mix very weak dry ice bombs to ensure the bottle stays pressurized.

 

[C.O. Shooter]

How about cans of spray paint!

 

[Browninglover1]

I forgot to mention whip cream cans too!

 

[Farmer Rob]

+1 for paint cans

 

[trophyhusband]

I've shot 20 oz soda bottles at 600 yards with my 22-250 and they blew up nice. I think you could mix very weak dry ice bombs to ensure the bottle stays pressurized.

I'll have to give that a try.

 

[trophyhusband]

How about cans of spray paint!

That reminds me of one time in high school my friends and I were shooting off our front porch. I threw a spray paint can out in the yard and my mom says, "don't shoot that, it will blow up." I just looked at her and she then said, "oh, I guess that's the point".

If I were shooting on my property I may not mind shooting a paint can, but somehow I don't feel right about blowing up a can of paint on the property I shoot on. Although I bet a red can would make a good visual against a snowbank.

 

[trophyhusband]

I forgot to mention whip cream cans too!

I can bring myself to waste whip cream like that. Next thing you know someone will suggest I shoot a can of beer.

 

[sniperjwt]

A jug of water does pretty good at 800 with my 260AI

[ame]http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=x7M7JtOcpMw[/ame]

 

[jaydeclan]

Never tried these before, as it is really frightful but hope to try it these time.

 

[trophyhusband]

Never tried these before, as it is really frightful but hope to try it these time.

Those are really hard to see.

 

[SidecarFlip]

How about cans of spray paint!

Being a closet pyro, I like to toss enmpty aersol vcans in the burn barrel (we don't burn garbage here, can't stand the smell anyway) and let them explode. Been through a few barrels doing that. Some really go off, others go ....phooooooof.

I tried an empty propane cylinder (hand torch) but it went pfoooooooof. Was hoping for a big thump.

I know it's dangerous and the shrapnel issue is there. I don't stay close, in fact the burn barrel is an acre from any dwelling.

Sometimes, it's tough being a pyro.

 

[Deleted member 48126]

I know it's not exploding but I heard bowling pins were always exciting to shoot and they hold up pretty well.