RE: Optimal grains per pound for whitetail?
I'm not so sure I've ever read a grain per pound recommendation for whitetail as much as I have an overall weight of at least 400 grains total arrow weight no matter how few pounds you are pulling.
I've seen the thread over and over again through the years and the standard result is at least 400 grains is preferred by most for whitetails.
That is also the weight I strive to stay over.