As I follow the thread, the clay modeling for targets makes alot of sense. But as I thought about the minerology, the various properties of clay, etc. I began to wonder about an organic equivalent (beyond ballistic gellatin) that is available to anyone anywhere cheaply.
What about play-doh? Basically a mixture of flour, salt, and water. It molds, provides resistance but yields to cutting, would certainly disavow sideways cuts with poor edge alignment, and is readily adjusted with hands and a wet sponge. It is certainly easily made. I think even the toy stores sell it "in bulk" for the quantity that would be required. Just an idea....maybe not a good one.

