Looking to build some 500# protein feeders. How big would they have to be to hold 500# of feed? Thanks

Not as big as you may think. A 55 gallon barrel will hold about 325-360 lbs.

I figure about 45# per cubic foot. So should be around 11 or so for 500#....

80gl

This was an 80-85gl I think... main thing on ones this big your band or wherever your legs meet the feeder need to be more than half way up the barrel... takes a lot of pressure off of the legs

We have 4 texas hunter 55 gallon free choice gravity feeders. They have about a 4-5 inch deep funnel in the bottom and brimming full hold 5 bags or 250 lbs.

Don't know Red Chevy, in my American Hunter barrels I can get between 8-9 40lb. bags of protien. I'm using a metal slip on lid so can fill up to very top of barrel. Do you have large ridges in your barrels?

Protein feed densities vary so results will vary.

Not really sure, looks like any other 55 gal metal drum ive ever seen. We also have slip over metal lids and have fed purina, record rack, and some other brand I cant recall. They are 50lb bags and I know there is some variation from bag to bag also. Ours all get 5 sacks(50 lbs) each and some will be level at the top, some will be mounded at the top and lid smashes it down and some will be a hair short of the top. Must vary quite a bit.

All very helpful.. Thanks. We have access to some great plastic barrels with threaded lids but think they are undersize?

What do you think?

Looks good man. Do y'all have alot of squirrels?

Yes why?

I have to put mineral tubs on top of mine to keep them off of it or they will chew through the lid.. Visious little suckers

Dang! thanks

These will hold about 900-1000....Sides are 3' wide x2' tall..

I've heard plastic barrels will sweat and ruin the feed

What do yall think of these? Ever known anyone to use these on the 55 gal drum. Seems cheap but I am in a pinch.

I have extra 55 gal barrels. I just do not have 500 sitting around to get a 750 gal feeder like I want.

@lazyman are you selling any of those?

following......

Anybody ever figure out a good way to keep raccoons off the feed spout? I've tried the spike strips and they didn't work. If anything, they only provided more traction for the coons to climb up the legs easier.

I quit using gravity protein feeders because I was feeding more 'coons than I was deer, and Antlermax 20 is mighty expensive 'coon feed!

Plastic barrels will sweat causing the feed to swell and bind together. At least here in TX. Made that mistake one season, its a pain in the arse!