Hunting Arrow Weight?

jwatts · December 15, 2009, 08:03:00 AM

I posted this in the shooters forum last night, but it seems to be gone this morning. Maybe I posted in the wrong forum? Anyway I would like to ask again to get some opinions

I downloaded Stu Miller's spine calculator to determine a starting point for selecting arrows for my new bow. First, here are the specs on the bow. It's a Crooked Stic Longbow, 62"AMO, 44# at 28" draw. I am drawing at 28".

After inputting all of this into the calculator I was pleased to find that I could get an easton xx75 2114 withing 1/10 of a pound of my reccomended spine. This is with a 160gr tip, 25gr insert, 11gr nock, and 3 4" feathers. The arrow would be cut to 30". I figure this will give me a good starting point for tuning, and at least a general of idea of what I will end up with in an arrow.

Now to the question. The total arrow weight is going to be 498gr. Would this be enough weight for a 44# bow for hunting whitetails? Any suggestions for upping the weight (if needed) without throwing my spine out of whack? Should I scrap the idea of using these arrows and go with something else heavier? Thanks for any input.

Drumstick63 · December 15, 2009, 08:23:00 AM

That weight is good enough for the whitetails I hunt. Yes, I am shooting a little heavier weight arrow but killed whitetails back when I had no idea what my arrows weighed. A good sharp broadhead from a well-tuned setup and proper shot placement will do the trick. Just curious, what broadhead are you shooting?

Mark

Mr.Magoo · December 15, 2009, 08:39:00 AM

If it flies well for you, it's plenty of arrow weight.

frank the hunter · December 15, 2009, 08:44:00 AM

plenty of weight i took 2 six pointers this year with 480 grains out of 45 pounds at about 15 yards.

jwatts · December 15, 2009, 09:14:00 AM

QuoteOriginally posted by Drumstick63:
Just curious, what broadhead are you shooting?

Mark

I am leaning toward the 160gr screw in Zwickey's. Depending on how it tunes I will try them or some 150gr magnus with an extra 10gr insert weight.

Mike Spaulding · December 15, 2009, 09:29:00 AM

Your arrow weight comes out to 11.3gr/lb. You could probably even come down a little if you wanted. I usually hunt with an arrow around 9 - 10gr/lb for both hogs and deer w/o any trouble. Like all the others said, as long as it's flying well from your bow, your more than fine with that weight.

jwatts · December 15, 2009, 09:31:00 AM

I have always heard the standard was 10gpp, but after seeing the weights some of you guys are shooting it got me to wondering. I will try these arrows and see how it goes from there. Thanks

Bill Carlsen · December 15, 2009, 09:43:00 AM

My wife shoots 46# @ 26". Her arrows weight in at 500 grains and she has no trouble with penetration on deer or bear. She carries 200 grains of point weight.

Arrow4Christ · December 15, 2009, 09:44:00 AM

Absolutely enough weight for whitetail

CallMaker · December 15, 2009, 10:42:00 AM

I like to find a arrow that flies well first, then I weigh it. Good flight is more important than weight. By chance the arrows that I am shooting currently came in at 430 grains or 10 grains per pound. Enough for complete pass through on this years deer.

Ed

jwatts · December 15, 2009, 10:53:00 AM

This is my first real attempt at traditional shooting so I figured I would ask. I shot a Pearson Special recurve when I first started hunting. I had a few arrows my uncle gave me, and drew them until they were close to the riser and shot. They were cut for his compound with an overdraw, so they were pretty short. I knew nothing about tuning, different arrow weights and spines, etc. I figured this time around I would try to do it right. I am shooting what many consider to be too light (5.3gpp) for a hunting arrow out of my compund, but from what I have read things can get a little more touchy with the traditional bows.