Okay after reading a bunch of info on here from my last tuning post and on O.L.'s pages I finally got out to shoot the broadheads.
Bow:
Martin Savannah 50 @ 28" pulled to 29.5"
Arrows:
Beman MFX 500 Classics cut to 30.5"
Two broadheads used:
1.) 2 blade Thunderhead 150 grain (I still have a bunch)
2.) 100 grain Snuffer with long adaptor glued for an average of 148 grains.
Okay I took some warm up shots and then proceeded to the test. I shot the first field point arrow into the target and then aimed for that with the rest of the arrows. The first two TH broadheads were touching about ½" from the field point. But I didn't shoot either of the Snuffers well...I did get better when I calmed down. Both 2 blade TH's and the Snuffers were shooting great when I did my part. Noticed that the TH's were a bit more forgiving when I had a bad release.
Here is the last group the three on top are broadheads and the two on the bottom were field points. For the record this can be a normal group from time to time where they are around the bull but I'm off a bit. The broadhead arrows are the Snuffers and one Thunderhead, I think they show a bit weak but all in all I'm happy if you're happy. Actually I'm happy(I hope I'm happy)! When I did my part I could almost hit the nock of my field point at 15 yards...came close several times, both with TH's and the Snuffers. The bottom field point arrow I pulled a bit.
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h138/oliverstacy/GEDC0656.jpg)
I see what O.L. was saying that once you get your set-up right the broadheads will fly the same no matter what one you use if they are the same weight. Again the disclaimer is if I do my part. I had better groups and worse groups but all arrows were in the same group, both field points and broadheads.
If I were to cut some weight on the broadheads how much would I need to cut to give them a stiffer spine. Could I increase or decrease the brace height? Honestly when I forgot what was on the front of the arrow and just picked a spot and release they all flew to the same grouping point. Finger shooting is tuff after years of release shooting.
Thanks for letting me babble on here...
Josh
Josh,
I think your good to go, but it depends on you. Were those shots shot from 15 or 20? According to OL that group would show a nocking point a bit too high. Look at the end of his page.
Here's what I'd do if I got that close. Those shots are from 20, I'd set up paper and see how the broadheads pass through paper. I'm about positive they'll be OK. Then I'd never shoot field points until the season is over.
Bowmania
I think you are good to hunt.
Since you can hold a decent group, go back to 25 or 30 yards and see what happens.
Once get a good group like yours, I'll try a few groups at 40-50 yards at a large target or dirt bank.
Hey Josh, Looks good. The only suggestion I'd have is to repeat the tests by backing up to however far you can shoot a decent group like Texbow2 said.
I'm guessing the Snuffers have more surface area the the TH, they will show your tuning errors and form errors more so because of it. Since you don't feel they are as forgiving tells me there's still a tuning issue there and backing up would show it. I'd suggest shooting 3 of each (field, Snuff, Th) ramdomly cause if you just shoot 1 type in succession your "eye" will calibrate and correct for fixable errors. Don't try the paper, it'll just get you chasing your tail trying to fix things that aren't broke.....O.L.
The most exciting thing about the whole process was the first three shots; field point and then two Thunderheads...about a 1" group. I think I got excited and started to peak when I picked up the Snuffers. From that point on I shot them randomly.
The photo above was a group of 2 field points, 2 Snuffers and one Thunderhead. I pulled the other Thunderhead because it was a bit off target but it was my release that caused the error, not the head. I didn't shoot them in any order I just picked up an arrow and what was on the tip went down range, if the first arrow was outside of the bull's-eye I would aim for that first arrows nock. I could see how the eye would make the brain adjust for the broadheads that is why I was randomly shooting them. I'll back up another 5 or so yards but I'm running out of room. I did notice that if I did my part I could do a bit of nock hunting.
I shot several 6 shot groups that included 2 field points, 2 snuffers and 2 Thunderheads. They all grouped to the same point, nothing was in a separate group. I had a flyer or two that I know were my fault...not picking a spot, un-clean release, dropping my bow arm (things I should not be doing). :readit:
All in all I was very pleased...I should have shot more field tips arrows first to get warmed up. I only shot a few arrows and then started shooting the broadheads, I was pressed for time. Tomorrow I'll have more time to check it out further, I'm even going to get out some 125 points and broadheads to see what happens.
Thanks all...I was pleased to see that I could shoot all three to the same point for the most part. If I just looked at the spot and drew and released the outcome was good...dropped my concentration for a second and the groups opened up.
Josh