I've been trying to figure this out.  I've been so confused with this whole Speed, Kinetic Energy, Momentum, Arrow Weight, FOC and EFOC thing.  I did some checking and this is what I've come up with.

52lb longbow, 30" draw, 31" .500 Axis shaft with the following calculations:

125gr BH-405gr Arrow-14.7% FOC-205 fps
.363 lbs/sec momentum-37 ft/lbs @ 10 yards

150gr BH-430gr Arrow-16.6% FOC-200 fps
.376 lbs/sec momentum-37 ft/lbs @ 10 yards

165gr BH-445gr arrow-17.6% FOC-198 fps
.386 lbs/sec momentum-38 ft/lbs @ 10 yards

175gr BH-455gr arrow-18.2% FOC-197 fps
.393 lbs/sec momentum-38 ft/lbs @10 yards

200gr BH-480gr arrow-19.7% FOC-194 fps
.408 lbs/sec momentum-39 ft/lbs @10 yards

225gr BH-505gr arrow-21.1% FOC-190 fps
.421 lbs/sec momentum-40 ft/lbs @10 yards

250gr BH-530gr arrow-22.4% FOC-186 fps
.432 lbs/sec momentum-40 ft/lbs @10 yards

275gr BH-555gr arrow-23.6% FOC-182 fps
.443 lbs/sec momentum-40 ft/lbs @10 yards

300gr BH-580gr arrow-24.7% FOC-178 fps
.454 lbs/sec momentum-40 ft/lbs @10 yards

I'm trying to figure out which setup gives me the best speed and knock-down power combination for the best arrow flight.  Right now I would like to tap the knowledge and experience of Trad Gang to lead me in the best direction.  

I rarely take a shot at anything over 15 yards but I practice out to 25 just in case.  I also would like the same setup to be suitable for black bear and possibly elk.  

Any help you can give would be greatly appreciated.

I would go with the heaviest arrow you can.  But there is more to the equation than just weight.  Arrows don't have "knock down power".  They have penetration power, and that comes from a combination of weight and perfect arrow flight.  Use the heavier arrow, but work as hard as you can to get perfect flight.  Adding weight to the front will affect arrow flight on a given shaft.  You need to match it to spine and length.

With your draw length I believe you'll need to go to at least a 400 to go heavier than 125/150 up front.

Looking at your numbers, the KE levels out at 505 gr.  You got to the most effecient combo there.  Now the MO contiues to go up as arrow weight goes up.

So I would start at 505 gr and work up get the arrows flying perfect.  Find the one that "shoots" for you both with flight and trajectory.

Doesn't do a lick of good to have a great flying arrow that you miss low with every time.  LOL

Mike

That sounds like the voice of experience Mike?

In general, the heavier the arrow the better until the trajectory becomes a problem. I like a set up that shoots reasonably flat for 15-20 yards. Good arrow flight is more important than momentum or KE, so be sure you have your arrows flying straight and clean.

Thanks for the input, guys.  The numbers for the 225gr point is an educated guess based on the real world information for the others.  As far as the field point, I have yet to find a 225 gr.  Would it be possible to combine an adapter with a glue-on field point to get the proper combination?

I started bowhunting in the mid 1960's.  Never heard of a thing like FOC.  You got an arrow that flew good from your bow with a broadhead and shot.  Truth be known, not a single dead deer will ever know the difference and there's nobody shooting hunting weight trad gear that's good enough to know the difference either.

A 100 grain steel insert with a 125 grain glue on field point will work.

3 rivers has 200gr-250gr points..... with the insert you should be able to get what you need..  standard inserts i think are around 14-27grs an  you can get 50-100grs as well in brass...there are combinations MOST OF ALL just make sure you tune them

I am hoping to experiment with heavier broadheads after my first deer with a recurve this year.  I have worried about a 53# bow not having the energy to give a decently flat trajectory out to twenty yards.

10 to 12 grains per pound is optimum.  For momentum, trajectory out to 20 yards, and for a quiet bow.  It will also help remove hand shock.  High foc also helps with arrow flight.  This is all my expieriance, your mileage may vary.  I'm with Vermonster though you may need a stiffer spine to go heavier than 125 grain tips.

I think 10gr./# gives you the best of both worlds. Speed and weight