Who hunts with arrows less than 500 grains?

Feather Flinger · March 13, 2014, 09:02:00 PM

I have a mental block about hunting with arrows under 500 grains. I just recently realized my draw length is only about 26.5" so that puts my draw weight at 47 to 48 lbs on my bows. I'm just curious if my arrows will get good penetration on hogs if they are 470 grains for my longbow and 490 grains on my recurve and tune perfectly. Thanks in advance, Jeff.

motorhead7963 · March 13, 2014, 09:45:00 PM

The "rule of thumb" is 10gpp it sounds like you are right in there, again another "rule of thumb" is don't go below 8gpp because it is said to be bad on bows.
yada yada yada what is important especially on hogs is to be aware of the location of it's shoulder shield, plus a Hogs heart is a little lower than a Deers heart.best shot on a hog is in his "armpit" when broadside.

motorhead7963 · March 13, 2014, 09:47:00 PM

I forgot to add I shoot 60# bows but draw right at 57 to 58lbs, and my arrows are right around 500 give or take a couple.

Thumper Dunker · March 13, 2014, 11:12:00 PM

I shoot 475 grn arrows out of my 55lb bows and my 58lb and 60lb bow. all get good flight. But I like a fast arrow for what I hunt. I think your fine.

Bear Heart · March 13, 2014, 11:51:00 PM

No, but that is a product of shooting bows in the mid to upper 60# range. You should be fine.

lbshooter · March 14, 2014, 12:25:00 AM

I shoot 480-500 gr cedars out of my 50# Hill. Excellent cast and penetration.

March 14, 2014, 02:55:00 AM

If the arrow flying straight, it will be up the broad head. Just pick one that will do a deep number on a nasty pig and have at it.

Matty · March 14, 2014, 07:19:00 AM

So judging by the picture under you're name with what appears to be a 300# hog. I'm guessing you already are getting good enough penetration.

It never hurts to have a heavier arrow and it's very easy to do with carbon shafts. Or just get some woodies!!

Wheels2 · March 14, 2014, 07:45:00 AM

A well tuned arrow and good release results in a straight flying arrow. That does a lot to help with penetration. Momentum is not lost as with an arrow that hits at an angle. You can also go to a thinner arrow shaft to cut down on resistance as it passes through.
I don't hunt hogs but I can't see where your rigs would not do the job nicely.

ChuckC · March 14, 2014, 09:07:00 AM

Arrows under 500 grains can't kill anything but bunnies !

ChuckC

Feather Flinger · March 14, 2014, 09:27:00 AM

Actually that hog in my profile pic is the only thing I've ever shot with an arrow less than 550 grains. I shot it with my old longbow a couple years ago with a 495 grain arrow. The lighter arrows shoot great but I just have to get it into my head that they will do the job. Thanks, Jeff

manitou1 · March 14, 2014, 11:43:00 AM

The whole group I hang with hunt everything from hogs to deer to elk to buffalo with arrows from 380-410 grains... with 41-46 lb bows to boot. Sinners... all of us.

BUCKY · March 14, 2014, 12:01:00 PM

470 grains out of my 45# longbow,10.4gpp

59Alaskan · March 14, 2014, 12:27:00 PM

QuoteOriginally posted by manitou1:
The whole group I hang with hunt everything from hogs to deer to elk to buffalo with arrows from 380-410 grains... with 41-46 lb bows to boot. Sinners... all of us.

You are all doomed. LOL.

I would love to see some pictures of elk and buffalo killed with arrows in this weight range. "Shoot what you like and like what you shoot" is what I say.

I know many folks who hunt with arrows 400-500. Not all of them will confess their sins in a post though.

DaveT1963 · March 14, 2014, 01:01:00 PM

My arrows are 470 - 570 gr from 51 - 57# bows

Caughtandhobble · March 14, 2014, 01:17:00 PM

Jeff,

If it's not broke don't look for a fix. You are one of the best shots that I have ever met. Your arrows are well tuned and we both know that you can put them where they need to be

That's just my 2 cents worth... Remember trophy hogs weigh around 80lbs

Feather Flinger · March 14, 2014, 01:53:00 PM

Thanks Ben. I hope to try out my new setup on some hogs this weekend.

Blaino · March 14, 2014, 02:25:00 PM

The first 3 deer I killed with a bow were with a carbon arrow and a 100g broadhead... I'm sure that arrow(same for all 3)was way less then 450g. When I got "serious" about bowhunting I learned my arrows weren't heavy enough to hunt with.....

dragonheart · March 14, 2014, 02:27:00 PM

Too light for my taste, but if shot placement is right on, then you will have no issues. I have a 26.5 inch draw with a longbow, 27.5 with a recurve. I have never shot a pig with an arrow below 500 grains, and never will. I doubt you will get a complete pass thru, that would really surprise me unless it was a small hog. You can kill pigs without a pass-thru, but two holes lead to a better chance of recovery on any game animal. Pigs are tough and thick, way tougher than deer. I just like more arrow weight on board for more of a punch in case I hit bone or encounter the thick shield. I would recommend a 3 to 1 BH and if you are shooting carbon try to shoot a light shaft with most of the weight on the front for higher FOC. I have never heard a bowhunter complain about too much penetration.

bendotwood · March 14, 2014, 08:50:00 PM

I have never hunted with anything under 700grains. Now with that said I have a buddy who has taken out small game with light weight carbons. For big game though I believe in all the ashby stuff, >650gr mass, >2.6MA heads, and so on.