The Term “Ballistic Rubber”
The term “ballistic rubber” might not be widely recognized outside the shooting range community, but within, it signifies innovation, safety, and longevity. Coined by the development group that now makes CRS high density ballistic rubber. Ballistic rubber is a specialized type of rubber designed specifically for environments where high-velocity projectiles are the norm. This article dives into what constitutes ballistic rubber, its origins, and its pivotal role in modern shooting ranges and training facilities.
What is Ballistic Rubber?
Ballistic rubber is not your average recycled rubber compound; it’s engineered for resilience, longevity, and safety. Here are the primary characteristics:
- Self-Sealing Properties: One of the most remarkable features of ballistic rubber is its ability to self-seal after being pierced by bullets. This prevents the rubber from deteriorating quickly and maintains the integrity of the surface where bullets impact.
- High Tensile Strength: With tensile strengths ranging from 950 to 1150 psi, ballistic rubber can endure repeated impacts without significant degradation. This durability is crucial in shooting ranges where thousands of rounds might be fired into the same spot.
- Absorption of Rounds: Unlike standard materials, ballistic rubber is designed to absorb and dissipate the energy from bullets, reducing ricochets and enhancing safety.
- Durometer Rating: Typically, ballistic rubber has a durometer hardness around 60, which balances between being soft enough to absorb impacts and hard enough to maintain its shape over time.
Origins and Development:
The term “ballistic rubber” was first used for the original parts Cumberland Rubber Supply is so renowned for. CRS became synonymous with this technology after the U.S. Navy approached them to build these parts. The Navy was looking for materials to construct realistic training environments or “shoot houses.” They needed something that could withstand continuous gunfire without needing frequent replacement. CRS’s compound rose to the challenge, developing what would become known as ballistic rubber.
Industry Adoption and Terminology:
Once introduced, the term “ballistic rubber” quickly caught on among gun range builders. Here’s how the terminology evolved:
- Grind and Glue, Cold Pressed, Heat Pressed: These terms describe the manufacturing processes of rubber parts used in the industry. “Grind and glue” refers to recycling old rubber materials, grinding them down, and then using a glue binder to force the material back together to form new products. This is also synonymous with the “Cold pressed” process. On the other end of the spectrum is “heat pressed,” indicating the methods used to shape these materials without creating a higher bond. Before the CRS product was introduced to the industry, government organizations and private gun ranges were using cold-pressed materials.
- High Density: This term often accompanies “ballistic rubber” to emphasize the material’s robustness and capability to handle intense use. You can tell the difference between high density products and composite products by physical appearance. You can also tell the difference by longevity. High density rubber products will last much longer than composite products.
- Composite: This denotes the material’s makeup, which might include recycled rubber and glue binder. This is a lower-cost technique, but the cost to own is higher due to rapid replacement.
Applications in Shooting Ranges:
Ballistic rubber has become an industry standard for constructing backstops, walls, baffles, and floors in shooting ranges:
- Safety: By reducing ricochets and absorbing bullet energy, ballistic rubber minimizes the risk of injury from stray bullets.
- Longevity: The high density self-healing nature means less downtime for maintenance or replacement, making ranges more cost-effective to operate.
- Noise Reduction: High density ballistic rubber products can modified to provide sound absorption compared to cement or metal surfaces. The material can also dampen sound, contributing to better noise control in a shooting environment.
Cumberland Rubber Supply’s Role:
Cumberland Rubber Supply has not only pioneered the concept but has continued to innovate, ensuring that its ballistic rubber products keep pace with the evolving needs of shooting sports and military training. Their development from the initial request by the Navy to becoming a key supplier for both military and civilian shooting ranges showcases their integral role in the industry.
Ballistic Rubber:
Ballistic rubber represents a perfect blend of science, safety, and sustainability within the shooting range sector. Its adoption has led to safer training environments, reduced maintenance costs, and an overall enhancement of the shooting experience. As the industry continues to grow, so does the demand for materials like ballistic rubber, highlighting its importance and the ingenuity behind its creation. Whether you’re a range owner, a military trainer, or a civilian shooter, understanding and appreciating the role of ballistic rubber and the differences in product type can only deepen one’s respect for the technologies that make shooting a safer sport.