I would like to try some grizzlies for elk next year. I plan on grinding them at a 25 degree angle. My question, are they all the same in strength or are the heavier ones stronger metal? I shoot about 250 grains up front (broadhead plus 100 grain insert). If I switch to a heavier grizzlie then I would probably switch to a lighter insert to match what I currently shoot.
From what I've gathered the 160s and 190s have the hardest steel. They are the hardest to get a new bevel on, but hold their edges the best.
I used a 150 with 100 gr adaptor this year, but will go to a 190 with 100 gr adaptor and 300 grain field points the next year to take adavantage of the better steel.
Jason
I'm not sure but I believe the ElGrandes have the harder steel are 150 and 190 grains. I use the 190's. There is also a 160 grain, but I don't believe it is an ElGrande.
I have also used the 100 and 125 grain, but would not buy again.
the only ones I do not use are the 'under 160" heads...I subjectively found the steel to be different.
Not sure what Ed determined but you could go back and read the Ashby reports and would likely find what you wanted to know there.
The 125's are DEFINITELY softer to my way of thinking.
Ed says the 160 and el-grande have the right steel (hard and tough).if you use an extra coarse (220 grit) diamond plate for sharpening/shaping, it is not too bad. takes time though. i do it sitting in front of the boob tube at night. I do one a night when i do them. I found there is a lot of work to get the flat sides flat. lots of braze at the tip to file off. others have complained about how hard they are. forget about a regular file. a nicholson 20189n 14" milled tooth bodifile,flex file standard, that Ed recommends may work faster. I have yet to try it. This would be the ONLY file to try.I found them online for $26 US but my dad has a bunch (retired autobody man).
FYI-samurai swords are not made of stainless steel. these are the strongest,toughest,sharpest swords ever made. they are high carbon,folded,forged,carbon location designed swords. to my knowledge, all stainless steels(regular common variety-ie all stainless broadheads except one) cannnot match these properties. this is what makes the grizzly so hard. Files are made of 1095 carbon steel or W1. thats why they are so hard (but somewhat brittle-because of the temper)
The 190 El Grande and the regular 160 are the strongest of the Grizzlies, although they recently upped the hardness on all the heads to improve strength.
I've used the 125 more than any of them with no problems, but even my kids have managed to damage the 100's with their lightweight bows.
For "heavy" game the 190 or 160 is the way to go. :thumbsup: