53 is more then plenty if you have sharp head, have great arrow flight, and get the arrow where it needs to be.
NO arrow out of a stickbow is going to get through the shoulder. (I know I shouldnt say never, its one of those, if you didnt see it personally, I sure as heck wouldnt believe it kinda deals. Most compounds also cant penetrate a moose shoulder!!!)
My 2 bulls thus far have been killed with a 64lb bob lee recurve and a decent weight ash arrow. The 2nd was with a 60lb crusader longbow and what I consider a little light arrow for my taste's 565grain cedar.
Neither bull made it 50 yards. The bob lee bull almost achieved complete penetration. The crusader bull smashed ribs on the near side and was stopped on the far side. Both bulls went down in site.
Yes moose are easy to kill, but dont use it as an excuse!!!
Neither of the two moose clients I was guiding along with Coldfingers, achieved more then 10-12"es of penetration, both where shooting 70lb bows 5-600 grain arrows and 3 blade bullet and chisel pointed broadheads! Just something to think about......