ORIGINAL: GMMAT
Mauser....I'm shooting a 366gr arrow. If you want to try to explain momentum to me.....I'm all ears. But if it's the standard "heavier will maintain it's energy better" stuff.....save it. I'm like Qgik in this regard. I don't think too many people understand momentum and how it pertains to arrows. If you're the exception.....and you can teach me (and others) about it.....AND tell me the optimal arrow weight to use.....by all means I'd appreciate it.
Im not Mauser, nor am I an expert...but I view momentum like this.
Grab a rebar stake 3 ft long, and a heavy softball slugger bat, 3 ft long.
Your arm strength is the same, regardless of which item you swing, similar to how a bows stored energy is the same no matter what you sling.
Find a buddy dumb (drunk) enough for your science experiment. First walk up, and while he is facing away, swing the rebar stake with all your might and strike him in the back. It will sting like hell, but likely wont knock him down. the stake will stop at his back, or maybe push him forward a little bit.
Now get him to stand back in the original position, only this time reach for the slugger bat. Again, swing with all your might and strike him in the back. While your swing around wont have near the speed as the lighter rebar stake, you will knock the guy flat on his ass, and your swing will follow through all the way around.
Same energy applied, the heavier object has a greater tendency to keep on keepin on in the direction it is going.
Obviously there are extremes for both, a light paper clip extended out is not practical, nor is a 10" diameter metal beam.