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Myths About Wet Steel Traps

By Action TargetThe Global Leader in Shooting Range Development™

There are many untrue claims about using water on steel funnel traps. To ensure that shooters and rangemasters get accurate information in order to make the best decisions, Action Target has provided a list of the most common false claims and why they are wrong.

FALSE CLAIM #1: You can use any type of ammunition on a wet steel trap.

It has been reported that frangible ammunition may cause problems with wet funnel traps, the powder hardening into a cement-like substance that is difficult to remove.

FALSE CLAIM #2: Wet steel traps eliminate lead dust on your range.

If a bullet hits on the upper plates where no water is present, lead dust can be generated much the same as on a trap where no water system is in use.

FALSE CLAIM #3: Wet steel traps capture all bullets whole and eliminate splatter and

ricochet.

Bullets can fragment into small pieces once they enter the rear chamber and strike more steel surfaces inside. Also, faster rifle rounds tend to disintegrate whether water is present or not.

FALSE CLAIM #4: Wet steel traps are more environmentally friendly.

Because lead disposal is already difficult enough for most shooting ranges, the last thing a bullet trap should do is complicate the matter by mixing the lead with other substances such as water, oil, chlorine, or antifreeze.

FALSE CLAIM #5: Wet steel traps function equally well indoors and outdoors.

It can be much more difficult to contain all potential contaminants (rain, snow, ice, wildlife, leaves, twigs, etc.) generated by a wet steel trap on an outdoor range.

FALSE CLAIM #6: One piece welded funnel plates are better than modular funnel

plates.

Long, continuous sheets of plate steel can be more prone to stress fractures and cracking than shorter, modular plates.

FALSE CLAIM #7: Funnel plates mounted at a 12 or 13 degree angle function

significantly better than funnel plates mounted at a 15 degree angle.

High-speed video tests do not reveal any significant difference between impacts at 12 or 15 degrees.

FALSE CLAIM #8: A 30-inch diameter in the circular deceleration chamber is better

than a 26-inch diameter.

While a 30-inch diameter might perform slightly better than a 26-inch diameter, it’s also important to weigh

multiple additional factors such as cost, space, service life, and ease of servicing. Action Target believes that a

26-inch diameter is the optimal size.

FALSE CLAIM #9: Wet steel traps don’t require much maintenance.

Regular maintenance should be expected with any bullet trap, including wet steel traps. Causes for wet

trap servicing include caring for multiple parts, debris, a contaminated water source, and humidity.

This information represents the opinions of Action Target based on their experience and observations. Although Action Target’s experience and research has shown these claims to be false, they encourage shooters and rangemasters to conduct their own research and speak with other users about their experiences with the various bullet trap technologies presented before drawing conclusions.

Read more and comment by visiting www.actiontarget.com and

click on “Action Target Journal”

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