I ran the numbers on my setup on Jackson's site.
365 gr arrow at 270 fps:
Drop KE Momentum
10yds: - 3" 57# .430#/sec
20yds: -10" 55# .423#/sec
30yds: -23" 54# .416#/sec
40yds: -41" 52# .410#/sec
540 gr arrow at 223 fps:
Drop KE Momentum
10yds: - 4" 58# .528#/sec
20yds: -15" 57# .523#/sec
30yds: -34" 56# .517#/sec
40yds: -60" 55# .513#/sec
The most glaring difference to me is the trajectory. From 10 to 20 yds there's a 5" difference. From 20 to 30, 11". I'd say at "normal" hunting range (30 yds & in), it could make a difference. A good hit could become a marginal hit, if range estimation is off a few yards. The KE is a wash. There is a noticeable difference in momentum, which I feel more closely relates to penetration. But not enough to be of concern, IMO. The loss is not negated, to a big degree, with the heavy arrow. The difference in trajectory (11" between the two at 30 yds) is huge, to me. Could that be enough to negate the increase in momentum by the changed trajectory? By that I mean the arrow impacting at a steeper angle, with the heavy arrow. This I'm assuming is shot from ground level. The only advantage I see for the heavy arrow is possibly it's use by the person that doesn't practice much. The slower setup will be more forgiving for him/her, possibly. Beyond that, I see my current setup (365 gr at 60# draw) as ideal for me. At the ranges I hunt, 25 yds & in, either will work. But lighter works better for me.
Phil.
"Could you guys be quiet, my dad's trying to shoot."<img src=icon_smile_shock.gif border=0 align=middle>