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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Skinnybill on January 03, 2014, 01:20:00 PM

Title: Full Metal Jacket Arrows
Post by: Skinnybill on January 03, 2014, 01:20:00 PM
What are the advantages of the aluminum/carbon arrows?  Thanks.
Title: Re: Full Metal Jacket Arrows
Post by: Nuctech on January 03, 2014, 01:27:00 PM
Just put together a dozen the other day for my main hunting recurve. So far the heavy weight in that small of a diameter shaft improves penetration on my target. Going to use them to elk and deer hunt this year so hope to see how the hold up. I bought them for the GPI with a small diameter.
Title: Re: Full Metal Jacket Arrows
Post by: joe vt on January 03, 2014, 01:46:00 PM
Do they bend when hit on the side?
Title: Re: Full Metal Jacket Arrows
Post by: beachbowhunter on January 03, 2014, 02:09:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by joe vt:
Do they bend when hit on the side?
yes. But it takes a real whollop to do so.
Title: Re: Full Metal Jacket Arrows
Post by: ghall80 on January 03, 2014, 02:18:00 PM
Over the years there have been a few arrows that have been carbon and aluminum. Before the FMJ it was a Super Slim and it was done the other way around aluminum on the inside carbon on the outside.And they were awesome. Then cam the FMJ and who knows why it shot better but it did and has been a go to arrows for a lot of bowhunters. I for one thinks its one of the best out there has it all. And is one of my best sellers in the arrows shop.

In 2014 they are making a FMJ Injextion its even smaller in diameter. They have not changed the FMJ in about 6 or 7 years and I don't see Easton doing that , just a super great arrow. Get them shoot them and you will love them.
Title: Re: Full Metal Jacket Arrows
Post by: damascusdave on January 03, 2014, 02:27:00 PM
Not that it makes any difference for hunting but I weighed 3 FMJ yesterday and they were all within one grain...says a lot about how carefully they are made...the fact they use the HIT inserts is another advantage

DDave
Title: Re: Full Metal Jacket Arrows
Post by: grouseshooter002 on January 03, 2014, 05:38:00 PM
I shoot both the ACC and FMJ from my recurves and longbows. They will take a lot of whallops and sideswipe trees and such before they bend. Of all the shots I have taken I've only had one bend and it was a snap to straighten with the arrow straightener. They are a heck of an arrow for the money.

Regards,
Grouse
Title: Re: Full Metal Jacket Arrows
Post by: tracker12 on January 03, 2014, 07:53:00 PM
I have not made the switch to FMJ with my trad gear but I have been using them in my "other" bow for several years.  They are great arrows and the penetration I get is amazing.  Pretty tuff for the most part by I have bent a few after hitting deer.
Title: Re: Full Metal Jacket Arrows
Post by: Mike Vines on January 03, 2014, 08:02:00 PM
I just ordered a dozen shafts today (couldn't pass up the offer).  I have seen WAY to many Awesome reports on these shafts to not own a set.  I have absolutely no idea when I will make the switch, if I ever do.  If that time comes, I want to have them at the ready. Until then, I'm a doug fir kinda guy.
Title: Re: Full Metal Jacket Arrows
Post by: habujohn on January 03, 2014, 08:21:00 PM
My favorite shafts.  Have been using them for years now and can't say enough about them.
Title: Re: Full Metal Jacket Arrows
Post by: Steve O on January 03, 2014, 08:59:00 PM
Gary,

Wasn't it just two years ago when they switched to FMJ N-Fused?  No difference in the o.d. or i.d. but the epoxy matrix in the carbon now uses nano tubes? This allegedly give them hundreds of times the strength.  That is great and all, but I still love the old ones...especially when I bought 12 dozen of them on close out for 4$/shaft.

  :goldtooth:  


Fantastic hunting arrow. Tough as heck and STRAIGHT all the time. The aluminum sheath makes it easy to pull out of practice 3 d targets. All the advantages of carbon AND aluminum.
Title: Re: Full Metal Jacket Arrows
Post by: TRAP on January 03, 2014, 09:16:00 PM
Best of both worlds

Precision specs like aluminum (straight, consistent weight and spine)  coupled with the toughness of carbon.

Great shafts
Title: Re: Full Metal Jacket Arrows
Post by: Skinnybill on January 03, 2014, 10:42:00 PM
Ghall80,

Have you've been hearing that most people are getting better results with the FMJ vs the ACC?
Title: Re: Full Metal Jacket Arrows
Post by: recurve maine on January 04, 2014, 08:31:00 AM
Love my FMJ 340's. But after seeing the "Woody love" thread, I need to give the tree made killer sticks a try
Title: Re: Full Metal Jacket Arrows
Post by: Hermon on January 04, 2014, 02:03:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by recurve maine:
Love my FMJ 340's. But after seeing the "Woody love" thread, I need to give the tree made killer sticks a try
And I seem to be in the other direction.  I love my woodies and have never felt the love for any carbons that I have tried so far.  With all the comments about the FMJ's, I may have to try some.
Title: Re: Full Metal Jacket Arrows
Post by: Skinnybill on January 04, 2014, 02:15:00 PM
Has anyone compared the FMJ to ACC?
Title: Re: Full Metal Jacket Arrows
Post by: Flingblade on January 04, 2014, 02:35:00 PM
This thread has me convinced to give them a try.  I'm shooting a Widow PSA 52@28 and I draw 28.5 with 175 up front.  I'm guessing 340's.  Does anyone know if that is the right size to start?
Title: Re: Full Metal Jacket Arrows
Post by: Steve O on January 04, 2014, 02:43:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by Flingblade:
This thread has me convinced to give them a try.  I'm shooting a Widow PSA 52@28 and I draw 28.5 with 175 up front.  I'm guessing 340's.  Does anyone know if that is the right size to start?
400s. Start long and you will probably end up around 29.5-30".  All my hunting bows are 55@28 and drawn to 30 and I run 340s full length with 225-250g heads. 340s are a stiff arrow especially when you start cutting them.
Title: Re: Full Metal Jacket Arrows
Post by: Steve O on January 04, 2014, 02:46:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by Skinnybill:
Has anyone compared the FMJ to ACC?
Always stayed away from ACCs. Did no like the carbon on the outside. It may be in my head but always considered that the more fragile part of the combo and like it being encased in aluminum. FMJs pull out of the target sooooooooo nice. Carbons weld into 3Ds in comparison.
Title: Re: Full Metal Jacket Arrows
Post by: damascusdave on January 04, 2014, 02:46:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by Flingblade:
This thread has me convinced to give them a try.  I'm shooting a Widow PSA 52@28 and I draw 28.5 with 175 up front.  I'm guessing 340's.  Does anyone know if that is the right size to start?
I would think the 400 would be a better choice...the nice thing is they are still over 10 GPI

DDave
Title: Re: Full Metal Jacket Arrows
Post by: yeager on January 04, 2014, 02:54:00 PM
I have two dozen and have been using them for three years now.  Great shaft.....fly true and have stood the abuse I have given them.  Both of my bows, Bob Lee-55#@28 and RER-52#@28, I shoot the 500's with the old Bear razorheads.  Tuned them to my bows using Stu's calculator and they fly great.
Title: Re: Full Metal Jacket Arrows
Post by: Flingblade on January 04, 2014, 03:11:00 PM
Thanks Steve O and damascusdave.  400's it is. Can't wait to try them out.
Gary
Title: Re: Full Metal Jacket Arrows
Post by: Hermon on January 04, 2014, 03:16:00 PM
Are the FMJ's quieter that a conventional aluminum arrow?
Title: Re: Full Metal Jacket Arrows
Post by: Steve O on January 04, 2014, 04:35:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by Hermon:
Are the FMJ's quieter that a conventional aluminum arrow?
Yep.

Also guys, if you use JB Weld for the inserts rather than the junk epoxy Easton send with their shafts, you will have a MUCH more durable arrow. I do not waste time footing anymore.


  FMJ Experiment/Info (http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=060165)
Title: Re: Full Metal Jacket Arrows
Post by: ghall80 on January 05, 2014, 10:34:00 AM
Steve
I know a few post back we talked about the FMJ change in carbon. Had to go back and look but man you are spot on. The FMJ showed its face back 2006 and had its change in 2011 to the N-Fused carbon and it change the GPI a little not much but a grain. I had to go back in my catalogs to see.
I have shot the AC Pro Hunters super nice arrow but for $160 for shafts versus $129.00 for FMJs and talerances being better in the FMJ my vote goes to Full Metal Jackets every time. And FMJs are stronger by far!!
And Steve O is right Use The JB Weld super tuff
Title: Re: Full Metal Jacket Arrows
Post by: mellonhead on January 05, 2014, 06:23:00 PM
Do you guys shooting the FMJ's bother footing them at all?  I just picked up a couple to try today and was just wondering.  Thanks.

Toby
Title: Re: Full Metal Jacket Arrows
Post by: JJACOBS on January 05, 2014, 08:23:00 PM
Another thing that I like about them is the ability to fine tune two blade broadhead alignment with them. All I do is use the squaring stone to remove a little material from the shaft allowing me to get them aligned to my satisfaction.  I guess that would work on any hit insert though. Like stated above, they are very durable arrows. Oh, and you can find them easily with a metal detector when they sneak under the grass.
Title: Re: Full Metal Jacket Arrows
Post by: ghall80 on January 05, 2014, 09:03:00 PM
Toby

No need to foot like Steve O said JB WELD and take a look at his thread explains it perfectly it all I use in the arrow shop now!
FMJ Experiment/Info


GARY
Title: Re: Full Metal Jacket Arrows
Post by: threeunder on January 05, 2014, 10:25:00 PM
Been looking at these quite a bit.  Are you guys shooting 5" or 4" feathers?

I've got some camo Axis and not sure there is enough room on them for 5".
Title: Re: Full Metal Jacket Arrows
Post by: Hermon on January 06, 2014, 11:17:00 AM
QuoteOriginally posted by threeunder:
Been looking at these quite a bit.  Are you guys shooting 5" or 4" feathers?

I've got some camo Axis and not sure there is enough room on them for 5".
Curious as to your question.   I can see how 3 fletch or 4 fletch could make a difference on a small diameter shaft, but why do you feel the feather length make a difference?
Title: Re: Full Metal Jacket Arrows
Post by: Easykeeper on January 06, 2014, 02:43:00 PM
I've not tried the FMJs, but have been shooting Easton ACCs for years.  They are by far my favorite arrow, like TRAP said, best of both worlds.  Not cheap though.

I've found ACCs to be pretty tough, I've broken a few in circumstances that would break any arrow and had them survive many hits that I though would destroy them.  One thing I like about them is I think the aluminum layer offers a bit of protection from the explosive nature of damaged all-carbon shafts.  I found one ACC that had the carbon cracked for half the circumference about 2" back from the point but it never broke.  I have no idea how many times I shot it in that condition.

Something that is rarely mentioned in arrow talk is the nocks.  The g-nock that is used with ACCs is another thing I like about them.  Small, consistent, and come in two sizes to fit different servings.
Title: Re: Full Metal Jacket Arrows
Post by: Steve O on January 06, 2014, 04:19:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by threeunder:
Been looking at these quite a bit.  Are you guys shooting 5" or 4" feathers?

I've got some camo Axis and not sure there is enough room on them for 5".
YES
Title: Re: Full Metal Jacket Arrows
Post by: 1Longbow on January 06, 2014, 04:23:00 PM
I'm shooting a 55# Howatt Hunter and pulling to a full 28 inches. I shoot 150 grain Stingers. What FMJ shaft size would I be looking at? Thank you
Title: Re: Full Metal Jacket Arrows
Post by: Steve O on January 06, 2014, 07:27:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by 1Longbow:
I'm shooting a 55# Howatt Hunter and pulling to a full 28 inches. I shoot 150 grain Stingers. What FMJ shaft size would I be looking at? Thank you
400s--as always, start full length and shorten to stiffen.

A good way to temporarily install the inserts while doing this (cuz I like to do it with fletched shafts at the same time) is to wrap a little Glad Cling Wrap around the insert; and it does not take much!  This gives plenty of friction to allow the arrow to be pull out of every target I have tuned into.
Title: Re: Full Metal Jacket Arrows
Post by: Jayrod on January 06, 2014, 08:15:00 PM
I am gonna try 500's Steve and see what happens couldn't get the 400's to work for me cut from full length down to 29" I really like these arrows hope I can get something to work  :notworthy:  :notworthy:
Title: Re: Full Metal Jacket Arrows
Post by: Jayrod on January 06, 2014, 08:16:00 PM
I am gonna try 500's Steve and see what happens couldn't get the 400's to work for me cut from full length down to 29" I really like these arrows hope I can get something to work  :notworthy:  :notworthy:
Title: Re: Full Metal Jacket Arrows
Post by: Jayrod on January 06, 2014, 08:17:00 PM
Sorry for doublepost