What would be an ideal arrow weight for Whitetail ???
Whatever shoots straight from your bow. Most guys use around 10-11 grains per pound of bow weight. I shoot just under 10 gpp
I also shoot about 9-10gpp. I would say 400 and up just to be safe.
Between 8-10 gpp would be adequate for whitetail deer. If your hunting with 40#, I would go on the high end like VictoryHunter stated.
400 grain min. If you are on the lighter side of things, I suggest a broadhead that is two blades like a magnus stinger, Zwickey, bear razor head, and get it sharp To maximize penetration!
This works
Im using a total weight of 432 grains and have no issues
Another consideration would be following your state's game regulations which may indicate required arrow weight.
If using the minimum weight bow your state requires, then 10-12 gpp is a good guide.
I shoot 50-55# bows and like 9-10 gpp for everything I hunt, including elk and bear.
my 31" cedars with zwickey delta weigh in at 625 grains
A better question might be: what is a ideal arrow weight for your bow to achieve optimal efficiency within the parameters you intend to hunt? Lots of factors contributing to this; likely more than arrow weight alone might tell us. Seek the balanced setup and overlook nothing.
Kris
Just as a thought for you, one year I hunted with a 40# Widow at my draw. I shot thru 2 large whitetail does(both broadside) at 15 and 20 yards and than shot thru a big coyote 52#(quartering at me went in at point of shoulder and came out left ham)than got a hole out the other side on a 165# whitetail buck. I was shooting a 320 grain arrow with a razorsharp Snuffer. I am back to shooting my normal weight bows 52-56#s and I still shoot 8 to 9 grains per pound. It is more important to have a scary sharp broadhead and a perfectly tuned arrow than a specific weight. Shawn
While it may seem counter-intuitive, I always suggest higher weight arrows for lower weight bows. I shoot many bows in the 38-43lb range and I get complete passthru's with GrizzlyStik Sitka's, with brass insert, coming in anywhere between 490-550gr's, total. I also shoot Stinger or Phathead broadheads, razor sharp-lower profile than 3 blades.
My wife uses 440 with Grizzly heads, out of a 38 at 26"Lost Creek NAT, so far more than enough.
I use 420 gr. arrows.
I have a buddy who hunts with something like 370 gr. arrows from a 41 lb. longbow... and he has killed American Bison, black bear, alligator, many whitetails and many, many hogs.
My bows run 45# - 52#'s at 28" and I shoot arrows that 9 - 10 gpi. Complete pass throughs with a sharp broadhead.