I shoot 45-47 lbs at my 28 1/2" draw ,The question is.... are my 30" 550-575 grain total weight carbon arrows to heavy for these light weight bows for hunting deer, bear etc. I only shoot out to about 15-20 yds and the arrows seem to fly real well from my set up..... or should I lighten up the total weight for a flatter tragectory? Your opionions on this matter are greatly appreciated.
Thanks Brad
That's pretty much my preferred set-up mine just a bit heavier/# than yours. They shoot fine to 25 yards.
There is much to gain from heavy shafts, and little to lose. If you can live with the trajectory, then go for it. I shoot heavier, and blow through stuff with those "girly weight" bows.
Trajectory shouldn't be much of an issue at those ranges. If they fly good and your eye is accustomed to that trajectory, stick with it. The better penetration with the heavier weight outways any slight trajectory gains at 20 yrds IMHO.
Anyone else??
I'd go lighter. I don't want to limit my shoot range AT ALL. The hunting season is to short to limit it in any way. I shoot 51 at 28 draw 29 and shoot 450 grs with a big 160 Snuffer which I'd say is not a great penetration BH. Been going through 200 lb whitetails.
Bowmania
It is all what you are used to.On close shots arrow weight does not effect you much.The longer shots is where lighter weight arrows shine.I usually shoot somewhere in the 9 to 12gn range.Just depends on what the arrow weighs when it get's tuned.I don't really care which end of the range it happens to land on for hunting because they all work fine.jmo
I prefer a lighter weight arrow. All my recurves are #50-#55 at my 28.5" draw length, and I shoot 29.5" carbons that come out to 500-515 grains, depending on if they have wraps and the length of the wrap.
I also have and can shoot 29.5" 2117's that are in the 550-575 grain range. Inside of 20 yards they are just fine and and shoot better in the wind, but I really don't like the loss of speed and The poor trajectory beyond 20 yards....
If you are sure you can limit your shots to that range just stay with what you have.
The real question is,if a trophy animal were at 25-30 yards would you shoot,and if you do shoot will the greater arrow weight hinder your ability to make the shot.
Personaly,I would try some lighter arrows to see if they helped my accuracy.If the lighter arrows don't help your ability to hit targets at different ranges,you would be better off with the heavier arrow.
i have also been thinking of a lighter arrow. i live in north alabama. we have rather smallish deer compared to northern deer,turkey, and feral hogs up to 200lbs. i shoot a 52# gamemaster2 w/ 2018 shafts total weight is 512grs. seems to me that i could shoot a lighter arrow especially out of the hoyt with no ill affects. i am looking to stay around 415-450grs.....does this seem worth a change or would it even be noticeable at normal ranges(15-25yds)??