Total arrow weight???

Goose smasher · January 14, 2015, 04:30:00 PM

Hello everyone,This is my first post on this board. I just found it yesterday and it looks like a fantastic place to spend some time.

I'm new to traditional bows and bowhunting and I think think I know enough about it to know I'm confused.

I really like wood arrows and right now I', shooting an older Bear super kodiak recurve at 55 pounds at 28" . Its a work in progress but I'm really enjoying the ride.

My question is about arrow weights. It seems that most traditional shooters go for heavy arrows but I'm not really sure what a good weight range is. Is 400 grains good or should I be looking for 500 or maybe more? I would like to hunt deer with my bow this fall if my shooting is good enough.

Thank you in advance for any replies!

Goose smasher

Piratkey · January 14, 2015, 04:38:00 PM

Between 10gr and 11gr per pound is a good average.

VA Elite · January 14, 2015, 04:40:00 PM

I'm new as well. Everyone says 10 gr per pound of draw weight. Right now my arrows weigh 420 and they full length. With a 100 gr head. Probably not enough but I do know it shoots good like that but I have no idea if it's an ethical weight for deer.

damascusdave · January 14, 2015, 04:45:00 PM

Some very wise people would put it this way...nobody would quibble that a 10 gpp arrow out of a 40 pound bow would be adequate for deer

DDave

timbermoose · January 14, 2015, 05:13:00 PM

10gpp is the standard for hunting. Quiets your bow, good penetration. Most bowyers recommend using that number on their bows. Going lighter can/will stress your limbs. I personally go heavier, my lightest are right at 712gr, out of my 55# longbows. Bu I mostly hunt heavy big game. Moose, elk, caribou and such. Does wonders on squirrels too.

shreffler · January 14, 2015, 05:20:00 PM

What's your draw length? If you're drawing 28", your hunting arrow weight should be *around* 550 grains. Certainly there have been many game animals taken with way less and way more grains per pound since the beginning of time, but having a higher amount of grains on the front of your arrow and getting around or greater than 10 grains per pound of draw weight will give you much better chances for a complete pass through and recovering your game.

The biggest factors will be having a sharp broadhead and shot placement. Having adequate grains per pound and high FOC will only increase your odds of recovery from there.

Alex

habujohn · January 14, 2015, 06:18:00 PM

Remember that arrow flight is the most critical thing when hunting and getting great penetration. If you can get a heavy arrow flying great all the better. Have fun!

January 14, 2015, 06:20:00 PM

If you are going to hunt, go heavier, 10gpp or more.

If you are just going to target shoot you can go a bit lighter.

The extra weight really helps for penetration when hunting.

Oh, yeah, welcome to the Gang!

Bisch

wood carver 2 · January 14, 2015, 06:25:00 PM

Welcome to TG. Where in Ontario are you?
Dave.

Sirius Black · January 14, 2015, 06:27:00 PM

What everyone else said, and WELCOME!

The Whittler · January 14, 2015, 08:41:00 PM

The norm from has been from 8gr to 10gr per pound of pull and some like it a little more. You shoot what you like not what someone else likes.

Friend · January 14, 2015, 09:07:00 PM

Poll results after 526 Trad Ganger votes

Choose 1 less then 8 ggp 1% (6)

8 - 9 ggp 9% (48)

9 - 10 ggp 29% (150)

10 - 11 ggp 35% (182)

11 - 12 ggp 16% (86)

12 - 13 ggp 7% (36)

more then 13 ggp 3% (18)

Fastltz · January 14, 2015, 09:40:00 PM

Just in case you dont understand. Gpp means grains per pound of bow pull weight at your draw. So assuming you draw yhe 28 and it is 55# then rule of thumb is 550 total weight of finished arrow. Now thats for hunting for target or 3d yoy can go as low as 8gpp. Another factor is the broadhead you use. At 55# your pretty safe using 2 blade 3 blade even 4 blade, however if you arrow is at the 8gpp and you shoot a big head or multi blade head you can suffer loose of penitration.
I like to aim for the 10gpp but if my tuned arrow comes in a little less or more then proper flight trumps weight imo. So recap heavy for big game and big heads lighter for smaller game and heads

Stykbow62 · January 14, 2015, 10:14:00 PM

I shoot 55lb also and shoot a 575-600 gr arrow
which is basically 10.5-10.9, falling in line with what everyone
Is saying and it shoots great.

Stump73 · January 14, 2015, 10:29:00 PM

My Thunderchild is 45lb at my draw. My arrows weigh 532gr total. That's 11.8 gpp

Jerry Jeffer · January 14, 2015, 10:38:00 PM

>650gr

Goose smasher · January 15, 2015, 01:01:00 PM

Ok,thank you guys for your help. I understand now. I was a little confused before. I'm going to my local archery shop this afternoon and I'll pick up a scale and go from there. I'm in London Ontario.

I've been having a lot of fun with the bow so far and I think I'm hooked now.

Goose smasher

newhouse114 · January 15, 2015, 01:12:00 PM

I shoot a pinch under 65 lbs with an 850 grain arrow.

Alexander Traditional · January 15, 2015, 01:14:00 PM

I just figured mine up,and I'm shooting 11.48. I've got a bow that's 54 pounds and shooting a 620 grain arrow,flies great.

refugerambler · January 15, 2015, 03:19:00 PM

I like a little quickness. I shoot a 500 gr arrow from my 61# MA. Shoots great!