Originally Posted by
MeanV2
I've killed Bull Elk, 400 plus pound bears, Whitetails, Muleys, and Antelope and never had a need for anything heavier than 400 grains. I have shot heavier arrows, but I don't think they are needed.
Both heavy and Light arrows have their advantages and disadvantages. I prefer to stay away from both extremes. The Hunting arrows I used this year weighed 360 grains and I'd use them for anything in the US or Canada with confidence. A lot of variables in penetration results and just one of them is total weight of the arrow.
Dan
But you didn't really answer the question. A 360 grain arrow going slow poke is not going to kill anything. The question is two faced. He wants to know KE and arrow weight to use. Kind of a dumb question if you try to answer both parts. KE uses the weight to get it's number. SOOOOO... which do you want. LOL I'd say overkill is never a problem. Besides that..you have to consider broadhead choice. Are we using cut on contact, mechanical, crappy mechanical etc etc. It has to be a tuned system. How much KE do you need? All you and your equipment can handle. OVerkill is never bad. Depends on what you're hunting. I personnally like to have at least 65 pounds KE. It'll kill and shoot through anything in North America with the right broadhead. Then you can bring range into the deal. IF you're hunting out west at longer ranges.... well gee, we just lost a lot of KE down range. THere is NO magical answer. Error on the side of overkill. I don't care if some kid shot and killed a deer at 10 yards with a 30 pound bow. What do you want your equipment to do for you? It's a tuned system for the game of your choice. Do it right..... you win.