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Granulated Rubber Media Q & A

Granulated Rubber Media Q & A

Is all granulated rubber the same?

Impurities in the material can be a liability. For shooting ranges, it’s important to keep as much impurity out of the product as possible.

NO – Not all granulated rubber is the same. Depending on the source, granulated rubber can vary from recycled car tires to pure rubber. Some sellers will sell granulated rubber with bladders, tread, and metal still in the mix. Make sure you know what you are getting!

The quality and composition of granulated rubber, which is a material processed and recycled from various rubber sources. This distinction is especially crucial for specific applications, such as shooting ranges, where the purity of the material can significantly impact safety and functionality. Let’s delve into this a bit more:

  1. Sources of Granulated Rubber: Granulated rubber can originate from several different sources. The most common source is end-of-life tires (ELTs) from vehicles, which are processed to remove various components, leaving primarily the rubber, which is then shredded or granulated. However, rubber can also be derived from other products or industrial rubber scraps, and the origin material’s quality can affect the final granulated product’s properties.
  2. Impurities and Contaminants: During the recycling process, especially in lower-grade procedures, various impurities from the original rubber products, such as steel (from the reinforcing belts of tires), fibers, and other rubber additives, may not be fully removed. These remnants can pose significant problems. For instance, in shooting ranges, metal fragments in the granulated rubber could cause ricochets or unpredictable reactions when struck by bullets, creating safety hazards. Furthermore, the presence of foreign materials might affect the material’s overall integrity and performance, such as its ability to absorb and dampen the energies of the bullets effectively.
  3. Variation in Quality: Not all recycled rubber products adhere to the same quality standards. Some suppliers may indeed include granulated rubber with various impurities intentionally or due to less stringent processing standards. This inconsistency can be problematic, as users may unknowingly purchase lower-quality mixes that are unsuitable for their intended use. This emphasizes the importance of transparency between the buyer and seller regarding the product’s exact contents and quality.
  4. Need for Vigilance in Procurement: As the buyer, especially for an application as critical as a shooting range, thorough due diligence is necessary before making a purchase. This includes confirming the type of rubber, understanding the processing method, and ensuring the absence (or minimal presence) of impurities that could affect performance or safety. It might also involve requesting certifications, product testing results, or samples to verify the product’s quality independently.
  5. Regulations and Standards: Depending on the jurisdiction and the application of the granulated rubber, there might be specific regulations and standards governing the acceptable levels of impurities and the material’s overall quality. Adhering to these standards is crucial not just for compliance and safety, but also for the performance and durability of the application.

The importance of understanding that granulated rubber is not a universally standardized material and that its quality and purity can significantly vary. For applications like shooting ranges, where safety and material performance are paramount, ensuring the procurement of high-grade, impurity-free granulated rubber is essential.

What does granulated rubber media do?

Rubber media is made to increase range safety. A coating is used on the media to decrease risk. Our product is a ballistic rubber media product for shooting ranges and provides an excellent anti-ricochet application and backstop. Rubber media is also an excellent product because it does not erode in the elements.

Let’s break down the roles and benefits of this material in such settings:

  1. Anti-Ricochet and Backstop Material:
    • The primary safety feature of granulated rubber media in shooting ranges is its capacity to act as an anti-ricochet material. When bullets hit hard surfaces, there’s a risk they might bounce back or fragment, posing a danger. Granulated rubber, with its elastic properties, absorbs the bullet’s energy, capturing the bullet within the material itself, or causing it to come to a rest after a much-reduced bounce. This significantly reduces the risk of ricochets harming individuals in the vicinity.
    • As a backstop, the granulated rubber works to safely stop and entrap bullets shot at targets. It acts as a sort of ‘cushion’ against the bullets, preventing them from passing through and causing harm or damage beyond the target area. This is critical in indoor ranges and highly populated areas where there is potential risk beyond the range boundaries.
  2. Durability and Resistance to Elements:
    • Granulated rubber is highly resilient to various environmental conditions. Unlike traditional materials like sand or gravel, it doesn’t erode under rain or wind, maintaining its structure and functionality over time. This feature is crucial for outdoor shooting ranges, where environmental resilience contributes to lower maintenance costs and consistent performance.
    • The material’s durability also means it doesn’t break down easily with continual impact. It can sustain thousands of rounds before requiring replacement, making it a cost-effective solution for busy shooting ranges.
  3. Coating for Additional Safety:
    • Some granulated rubber media products come with a special coating that enhances their safety features. This coating may serve several purposes: it can further prevent the likelihood of ricochets, make the media fire-retardant (a vital aspect given the risk of lead-induced fires), and facilitate easier bullet capture and extraction for recycling purposes.
    • Additionally, the coating can include antimicrobial and antifungal solutions, especially important in indoor ranges to ensure a healthy environment, considering the lead and other chemicals typically present.
  4. Environmental and Health Aspects:
    • Beyond the immediate safety concerns, using recycled rubber for this purpose also has environmental benefits. It utilizes material that would otherwise end up in landfills, repurposing it in a manner that requires relatively little processing compared to other forms of recycling.
    • In the context of health, especially in indoor ranges, granulated rubber media is part of the system that helps reduce lead dust proliferation caused by the impact of bullets. By trapping bullets effectively, it decreases the amount of lead particulate matter that can be released into the air and potentially inhaled.
  5. Noise Reduction:
    • Another often overlooked benefit is noise reduction. The rubber effectively dampens the sound of gunfire, which is particularly beneficial in indoor settings or areas where noise pollution is a concern. This contributes to a more comfortable environment for both the shooters and those in nearby vicinities.

In conclusion, granulated rubber media in shooting ranges serves multifunctional roles, predominantly aimed at increasing safety through its anti-ricochet properties and robustness against environmental conditions. The specialized coatings and inherent characteristics of rubber enhance these safety features, providing a durable, reliable, and environmentally conscious application in the context of shooting ranges.

What type of granulated rubber does CRS offer?

At CRS, we prioritize safety and quality, offering specialized granulated rubber media options: SRRM2000 and VBRM2000. SRRM2000 can be found all over the us and even in government and police training ranges. Our SRRM2000 is designed for robust performance in various shooting environments, while our unique VBRM2000 features an integrated flame-resistant formula, catering to ranges that need extra fire safety measures.

What sets us apart is our stringent quality control—every product batch undergoes thorough testing to ensure it meets the high safety standards necessary for shooting ranges. CRS commits to only supplying materials that enhance range safety, handling bullet impacts effectively while reducing risks like ricochets.

Choose CRS for reliable, top-quality shooting range solutions.

Does granulated rubber need to be coated or treated?

It is recommended to coat or treat ballistic rubber mulch. All range builders recommend coating rubber granulate for added safety.  Most installers will coat rubber media with fire-resistant materials to enhance range safety.

Granulated rubber media is essential for modern shooting ranges, enhancing safety and operational efficiency. Two primary types are commonly used: standard granulated rubber and a variant with an integrated flame-resistant formula. Both types serve to minimize ricochets and handle bullet impacts effectively.

Regardless of the type, it’s crucial to apply a topical treatment to all granulated rubber used in shooting ranges. Even rubber with flame-resistant properties benefits from this additional protective layer, further mitigating fire risks. This practice reinforces the material’s safety features, providing an extra safeguard against environmental hazards and ensuring a more secure shooting environment.

All granulated rubber media should undergo stringent quality testing to comply with safety standards, ensuring it performs reliably under the specific conditions found in shooting ranges.


Where can you get granulated rubber treatment?

We can recommend the type of material that is used to mix in with the rubber media. We can also recommend high-quality range maintenance and installation companies.

Here is a small list of products that are useful:

  1. RDR Flame Guard:
    • What is it? RDR Flame Guard is a specialized flame retardant often used in various industries requiring fire-resistant materials. It can be mixed with granulated rubber to enhance its resistance to ignition.
    • Where to get it? Typically available through industrial safety suppliers or directly from manufacturers specializing in fire prevention and safety products.
  2. FireFree 88:
    • What is it? FireFree 88 is a non-toxic, flame-resistant coating. When applied to materials like granulated rubber, it forms a barrier that resists flame penetration, reducing the spread of fire.
    • Where to get it? It can be purchased from companies specializing in fire-resistant building materials and safety products.
  3. Calcium Powder:
    • What is it? Calcium powder, often in the form of calcium carbonate, is known for its moisture-absorbing properties and can serve as a flame retardant when mixed with granulated rubber, slowing the material’s thermal reactions.
    • Where to get it? Available through chemical supply companies, often those that provide materials for construction or industrial applications.
  4. Fire Extinguisher Powder:
    • What is it? This is the chemical compound found in many fire extinguishers, designed specifically to combat and douse fires. Integrating this powder with granulated rubber can enhance the material’s fire resistance.
    • Where to get it? Fire safety equipment suppliers or manufacturers of fire extinguishers would typically stock this.
  5. Other Fire Retardant Powders:
    • What are they? Various other powders can retard flames and resist heat. These can be combined with rubber media to enhance fire safety measures.
    • Where to get them? Specialized fire retardant product suppliers, potentially including those that provide safety equipment for industrial, construction, pool supply stores, or firefighting purposes, can offer these products.

How is rubber media delivered?

Granulated rubber media is usually delivered in 2000 lb. super sacks. We can also bag it in 50 lb. bags.

https://cumberlandrubber.com/granulated.html