As I said in an earlier post my bow is rated 45# @ 28". I'm pulling about 29.5" so let's say I'm shooting about 48#. I currently have Easton Axis ST 500 arrows which are 30" long. At 8.1 gr/in the bare shafts calculate to 243 grains. Add in the HIT insert at 16 grains and a 125 grain broadhead and I'm sitting at 384 grains total.
I'm reading on this site where many of you are shooting 500, 600 even 700 grains.
Am I way under my optimum weight for this bow?
Should I look at aluminum shafts with weight tubes instead of carbon?
Shoot for 425gr and you should be o.k.
You can put weight tubes in carbon arrows. I like to have closer to 10 gr. per pound of bow draw weight, so yes, you are a bit light. More weight will give better penetration and a quieter bow. You could also try adding brass inserts (50 to 100 grains). The 100 grain insert would get you to 10 gr/pound. It also puts the weight forward, which is recommended by Dr. Ashby.
Personally, I have trouble getting decent arrow flight with carbons. My preference would be cedar, aluminum and carbon, in that order. Actually there may be other woods that would beat out the aluminum and carbon arrows, but I haven't tried anything else. Cedar works for me.
8-10 grains per pound is usually the norm, from what I have read here. Brass inserts, weight tubes, or changing your BH's could all put you in that range easily.
Hey Double, I shoot the exact same thing as you, 45lb and pulling 29,5". The calculations listed my manufactors never work out for some reason. I also shoot some Easton Axis 500, but I keep them full lenght which are 31" long.
Easton Axis 500 full lenght 31" with 125 grain head, with 9" wrap and 3 5" feathers weigh 432 grains
I also have some Beman MFX Black Max 500 same set up as above 454 grains
I also have some Beman MFX Classic 500 same set up as the first at 481 grains.
In your case subtract the inch you cut off. I think you are fine as long as they are flying for you.
scott