Since I don't have a rangefinder, and all my stands arte pre-hung and fixed pre-season I set my pins at the number of paces, most of my stands are 15-25paces from my stands. I set a 15pace pin and a 25pace pin. As for practicing distances F&S just printed a good exersize. Set up as many targets as you can at varying distances. Using one arrow only walk your course and shoot at each target only once, when you get the routine down,mix up the targets and do it again. Dont re-take a shot until the next time around.
Another method of practicing from elevated stands is to throw some old tennis balls out and try to hit them
These methods will get you used to judging distances very well.

Just checked mine, they drop 1 1/2" at 25 yards with my 20 yard pin.

I'm only 2.5" low at 25 yards when sighted in at 20. 507 grain arrow at 240 fps.

[quote]ORIGINAL: SwampCollie

Stat, Quik and Mauser inspired me to do my own test by their various contributive posts, so thank you to the three of ya.

Based on Quiks computer calc, here is what my 3D arrows should be doing with my speeds, and a (roughly) 25 yard pin.

20 = +1.67"
30 = -2.52
40 = -10.06"
50 = -20.96


Here are the actual results of my own test. Keep in mind I only did one. I ain't the greatest archer in Sherwood, but I do manage to hold my own. Apparently, my sights need a little bit of correcting to the right (see picture).....

I measured to the nearest 1/8th of an inch, using the center of the arrow as my guide. Again, this ain't the Discovery Channel.

~25 yard pin:

20 = +2.25"
30 = +1.38"
40 = -4.25"
50 = -11.13"

I think that the trajectory calc would be more accurate if it took in to accountthe weight of the arrow, plus what sort of fletching you are shooting. I am shooting straight/offset right feathers (4"), and my arrows weight right at 325gr.



[/quote
If you know the speed of the arrow, the actual weight of the arrow will make little difference. I realize that no calculator is perfect for everyone, but you shot high at 30 yards with a 25 yard pin, so there is probably more shooting error than calculator error. Although at the longer ranges you shot, 50 yards, your arrow weight will start to make a bigger difference.

Cool test, Swapcollie!

That was, after all my roughly, 25 yard pin.

The feathers I feel will make a bigger difference at longer range as well.

I need to take my bow into the bow shop. Maybe next week I'll be able to make it. I want to know my exact draw weight and I want to weigh my arrow. I'll report back.

Thanks to all that went out and tested.

Tom

A lot of people sight their bow in starting at 20 and then move back. Do the reverse of this to get a true reading of your yardage. This will deffinately close up your gaps. Sight your bow in at your max distance you feel comfortable shooting( i like 40 yrds). After this, work your way closer and sight in your other pins for desired setting. (30,20 yrds) Make sure that you hold through the shot and continue aiming at the target so you do not drop your bow arm. Shooting at 20 yrds, you might not notice mechanical problems, but as you move back they can be magnified. Hope this helps. Good luck on th eupcoming season.

I measured 1.25 inches averagefrom 20 to 25 yards shooting 12 arrows. 10 to 20 yards in olny 1 inch.