Plywood Target Backs: Bullet Impact Durability and Sizing

Splintering and Bullet Fatigue

Plywood used as target backings (or target backers) at shooting ranges is subjected to a unique mechanical load: repeated high-velocity impacts from projectiles. When a bullet penetrates plywood, it shears the wood fibers, creating a clean hole on entry and a splintered exit hole. Over hundreds of rounds, these holes overlap, removing material and structurally weakening the board until the center falls out.

For range managers and builders, the goal is to select a plywood type that resists splintering (which can create dangerous flying wood shards), survives outdoor weather, and offers the lowest cost per shot.

Target Backer Material Properties

The table below outlines the properties of common target backing materials:

Selecting Plywood Grades

Do not use Oriented Strand Board (OSB) for target backings. Under bullet impact, OSB tends to shatter, releasing sharp wood flakes. The lack of cross-laminated plies means it loses structural integrity quickly.

• Softwood CDX Plywood (3/8\" or 1/2\"): The most cost-effective option for outdoor shooting ranges. CDX uses exterior-rated glue (Exposure 1), allowing it to survive rain and sun. The 3/8\" thickness is thick enough to hold paper targets flat using staples, but light enough to handle easily when swapping backers.
• Exterior BC Plywood: A premium option. The sanded B-face provides a smooth surface for mounting adhesive target grids. The higher ply density reduces splintering, resulting in a longer lifespan.

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Weatherproofing and Rot Resistance

Outdoor ranges expose target backers to rain, UV, and humidity. If left raw, CDX plywood will warp and delaminate within a few weeks.

Weatherproofing Steps

1. Paint Treatment: Coat the plywood backers with a cheap, flat exterior latex paint (black, grey, or white are common for contrast). Paint seals the wood fibers, reducing water absorption and extending backer life by up to 50%.
2. Pressure-Treated Wood: Avoid using pressure-treated plywood for target backers. While it resists rot, the copper-based chemicals are highly corrosive to metal target frames, and burning or disposing of lead-contaminated treated wood is an environmental hazard.

Target Mounting & Safe Disposal

• Stapling: Use heavy-duty T50 steel staples to mount paper or cardboard targets to the plywood.
• Clamping: Secure the plywood backer to the wooden or metal upright stands using spring clamps or carriage bolts with wing nuts for fast swap-outs.
• Lead Contamination & Disposal: Plywood target backers collect bullet fragments and lead dust over their lifespan. When a backer is spent, do not burn it. Burning releases lead vapor into the air. Dispose of lead-contaminated wood in accordance with local environmental regulations for hazardous waste.