OHbowhntr

Actually, you're wrong one both accounts. Going from 340 to a 500 gr arrow on a 50# BT Equalizer (Is that what you shoot??), you'd gain 5ft/# of KE. 280 gr to 500 gr, you pick up nearly 9ft/#, and almost 50% of the momentum!!!! Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that you should shoot a 500gr arrow, but if you really want the most "efficiency" out of your bow, you'll do better upping the arrow weight, than shooting a light near IBO arrow.

EDIT: those numbers were also based on a 28" draw, dropping the DL changes it significantly I should note, and that's using OT2, which I know over-estimates speed a little.


Agreed 100%. I notice a little difference just switching back and forth between 100 and 125 grain tips on arrows that are 415 and 440 grains. And that's only a 20% increase, not a 25% + increase if this guy were to slap 100gr or better tips on the arrows, plus a higher FOC would seem better for penetration in my mind anyhow.

Doegirl75

No, I'm not. Most of the KE gained is going from 250grains to 400grains (5ft lbs). After 400grains, the gains slow significantly, gaining just 2.31ftlbs. Going over 500 grains, I start lose KE in very small amounts. Couple that with a rainbow trajectory and it's just not worth it. And "efficiency" does not kill a deer. A well place shot does that.
FYI: The speeds OT2 displays for BT Equalizer are incorrect. It's about 23fps slower than what it should be.

Guys-lets stop hijacking this thread. If you want to argue with me, great, feel free to PM me or start another thread. I will no longer respond on this thread.

davepjr71

burniestarted the thread to discuss why you would use 85 gr tips. We stated why and why we disagree with it. That's not hijacking a thread.

As far as a rainbow shot you must not have shot a lot of bows to know that simply isn't true at normal archery ranges. My arrows did not rainbow at normal kill ranges that's all that matters. You are the one that stated "Compounds are highly efficient machines."

And, if 400 gr arrow gives you more KE why not use it when you have a light set-up? Also, there is more than just KE that matters, penetration and momentum.

And one last thing, you have to make sure it's a well placed shot or it will be a very poor shot. Why not give yourself a better chance on a misplaced shot?

Listen, I'm the last one to tell anyone they need to use a 500+ gr arrow and never stated you should. I'm simply stating that people overestimate how great today's low poundage bows are and if they are going to compare them to bows from 20 yrs ago that were 20 lb heavier in DW they need to realize that we used much heavier arrows with the slower bows. Therefore, unless you are going to use the same arrows you can not call them equal.

SwampCollie

Personally, I have always been of the opinion that you should let your tip weight compliment your arrow and your bow. I shoot a 29.5" 340 ST Axis with a 125 gr tip. I shoot it at 61#s off a HCA Iron Mace, which has a very hard two cam system (same as a bowtech). When I was shooting 400s with 100gr tips, I was getting a weak arrow reaction. When I went to 340s with 100gr tips, it was just a bit stiff. Putting those 125s on the front made all the difference in the world. Yes the FOC went up, but more importantly those arrows fly like a dream. 450grs at 280 from a 61# bow. I think the arrow will make it through.

My girlfriend is shooting a 42# Hoyt Trykon. I forget exactly what her arrow weight is, but its fairly light, mostly just because thats what was available to us. We keep her shots inside 25 yards (though she has yet to get a shot opportunity). Her arrows I think weight something like 340gr, and they are going at around 220fps. I have her set up with 100gr Strikers. Her arrows fly very well. I've been working with her to up her poundage just a bit... I'd like to get her shooting above 45#s.... 50 if possible.

MeanV2

You can shoot light arrows, medium weight arrows, or heavy weight arrows. If you are shooting Whitetails with modern equipment I doubt it makes a meaningful difference.
I will say if you shoot fixed blade Broadheads you should maintain at least 12% to 15% FOC. I prefer to stay on the higher side of FOC.
I have several setsof arrows ranging from 329 grains to 505 grains, and one thing they all have in common is adequate FOC.
Too many people shoot too light a broadhead trying to gain 4 to 5 fps. What a waste.

Dan

davepjr71

There is a good article in the latest Deer & Deer Hunting Mag about this topic about trying to gain a few FPS. One thing too many peopledo not think aboutis that you may have 50 ft-lb at the bow but down range it drops off dramatically and the rule of thumb is 50 ft-lb at the deer not at your bow and you shouldn't rely just on KE.

For every 5 grains you loose about 1 fps. So, if people would just go to 100 gr tips they'd only loose about4-6 fps at the bow but not as much down range since a lighter arrow slows down faster then a heavier one.

ijimmy

High focs are what you should try for , makes steering the arrow easier for the fletching .[ I might add I used to not care , that is until I saw results form my own experiments ]

Out of the same bow heavier arrows will always penetrate better than light arrows given that the shaft diameter is the same ,if you don't believe me try it .

Jimbo1949

I have used the vortex 75 grain for many years with great success. Taken a lot of deer and hog's with the broadhead. Many run no more than 30 yards before pilling up. My reason for shooting the small grain is speed, sound of your bow and arrow is heard by deer with ever bow and arrow shot; the trick is to get the arrow there before they can react to sound. Hope this helps you make up your mind if you want speed this will help and they fly like feild piont too. Jimbo good hunting!

The Rev

Burnie, you've seen what I shoot so I can't comment on why they would want to shoot so light up from. I'm getting 82 K.E. with my 220 grn. Muzzy Phantoms, and quite too. 21% FOC. I guess to each his own.