Trad Gang
Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: firsted on July 10, 2013, 08:03:00 PM
-
I know I could search old posts but things change so...I drew a New Mexico elk tag in a decent area (Mt. Taylor for those that know, a decent area for those that don't) but I'm in a quandry - I shoot both small diameter arrows (ST Axis, MFX Beman, both with the HIT inserts) and tapered Arrow Dynamics with standard inserts. To keep it simple, I want a broadhead that won't hit a rib and bend. I love the FOC of the tapered & the flight is great but the MFX & Axis are just so consistent at any weight. I'll be shooting either a 60# Widow SA III, a 56# Silvertip TD Recurve, or a short 66# Morrison Cheyenne, depending on the terrain and my shoulder. So, with a relatively strong bow, what would you more seasoned elk hunters use? I've not used the single bevel but the ones that I've seen that seem stout enough are also really high dollar. I've shot 3-bladed heads with success but not with elk. Any recommendations are really appreciated.
-
Snuffers, VPA's, Magnus, Zwicky, Simmons, Eclipse, STOS, etc. should all be fine. If you want single beveled heads, the Grizzly broad heads will probably be just fine.
My personal experience is with Magnus stingers(super tough) and Simmons Sharks (also really tough). I've never shot an elk with either but I've hit enough hard objects when missing racoons and other such things, to know that they are both dependable heads.
Others with more dead elk experience will chime in soon I'm sure, but from my rifle shooting days, shot placement is king on elk. The ribs are easy to punch through, the shoulder will absorb way more energy than your bow can deliver.
You have plenty of horse power to shoot just about anything you like at an elk, so pick a favorite head and go get em!
-
I've taken elk with a 55# long bow and:
woodsman
zwicki 2 blade
thunder head
magnus 4s
-
My top choices would be either a 4 blade Zwickey Delta or an original wensel woodsman. I would probably have both heads in my quiver and just pick which one I wanted to shoot more if the opportunity presented itself.
-
I shoot a lot less bow then you and I'm taking VPA 3 blades this fall. I have a ton of confidence in them and can sharpen them better then anything else I've found. About anything should work with your bows.
-
I like the two blade Zwickey or Magnus,must be sharp!
(http://imageshack.us/a/img109/9990/i6s8.jpg)
-
IC,
what a great photo!
-
don't think many broadheads would bend on an elk rib
-
You can't do better than Abowyer Brown Bears. IMO
-
Ive never hunted elk but if I did id be shooting a good 2Blade :) Ive been successful with Magnus and most recently STOS 160. Blew through a whitetail buck at 10yds and stuck in the ground pretty far. Sharp enough the deer had no clue what happend. Sadly the coyotes beat me too him but the broadhead performed well with a total passthrough.
-
Took my one and only bull with a 125 grain Magnus Stinger. Also, broke a Stinger in half hitting the shoulder bone of a mature bull.
If I can find my pic and get it uploaded, I'll post it. The BH snapped in half cross-ways. Elk are tough critters... shot placement is critical.
-
Elk are tough critters... shot placement is critical
You got that right!
Anything less than perfect and they get tougher in a hurry.
I'd stay away from the Simmons just for this reason. It can be a long way through a big bull and comin out the other side wont always be easy.
Give me a VPA 3, Abowyer Brown Bear, Kodiak, Ace or a good old Zwickey Delta.
Eric
-
On elk I always use a two bladed head. Most of the time a three blader will work, but I have hit two in the shoulder bone and the two bladed head made it through and into the vitals. I don't think you could do that with a three bladed head. I also shot one that was steeply angling away. I hit it right in front of the hip. The arrow went through the stomach, all the vitals, and came out alongside the neck. This is with 65 lbs. and a 700 grain arrow. It turned away a little as I shot. I just like the extra penetration of a two blader. You never know what the elk will do when you shoot. Penetration is very important. You have to make it into the vitals. Most of the elk I have shot with a Zwickey delta. I have also used a Magnus I, a Tusker Concorde, and a Grizzly El Grande. I even shot a couple in the old days with satellite four blades. Gary
-
simmons, just shoot the biggest one you are comfortable with.
for me, the shark is the best broadhead made
-
I'm a real fan of two blade broadheads. The below elk is one of several that I've taken with Zwickey eskimo's. This elk was taken with a 58# Black Widow @ 27" draw.
(http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z294/Stringwacker2/elkhunt1Small_zps253278a9.jpg) (http://s189.photobucket.com/user/Stringwacker2/media/elkhunt1Small_zps253278a9.jpg.html)
-
I have shot my last 2 bulls with 165gn Simmons Interceptors (glue on, non-vented). I sharpen them with a Razors Edge jig and a 3 sided Hewlett Jewel stick so they are crazy sharp. I just ordered the KME Hewlett stick for my KME knife sharpener so thats what I'll be using to sharpen the Simmons from now on. I also shot a huge bull 3 yrs ago with a 150 gn Grizz single Bevel (also scary sharp). All 3 bulls were shot in the lungs and none were on their feet for more than 20 seconds and none went more than 80 yards. Of course shot placement is king along with sharpness.
If I didnt like the Simmons Interceptors I would spend the $$ on Abowyer Brown Bears.
I am shooting 55# R/D bows and drawing 28 inches. 570 gn carbons with 275gn up front.
-
Hey nice elk Stringwacker!!!!! Gary
-
Shot my first Elk with a Centaur Big Game head .. the Elk turned on release I the hit was a little fair back .. however due to the size of the head it did a lot of damage and the Elk was down in less than 70 yds. I'll plan to use them again or I do have some Abowyers I may try.
-
I am a big fan of the magnus Stingers. All my elk have fallen to them.