Do I really need that much arrow weight?

[OaKmAn44]

I am going elk hunting this fall and I heard I need arrow weight somewhere around 600 grains and kinetic energy above 40 to get good enough penetration. Then I heard about an interview with Fred eichler which said that his arrow weight wasn't even above 500 and he's successfully hunted elk, moose, bear, ect. I am shooting 50# w/ 28 inch draw. I am shooting Easton axis 9.8 gpi and I'm not sure what broadhead weight but do you think I need as much weight as I can get or will just arrow and broadhead be good?

I hunt with 50# @ my DL and have successfully taken several large animals. I am going elk hunting this year with this same set-up and have no doubts about its potential effectiveness. All my bows use an arrow that is right at 10gpp. I shot a nearly 700# Kudu with a 517gr arrow from a 50# longbow.

Having a well-tuned arrow with a total weight in the 10gpp range, and a razor sharp broadhead is the most important things here.

Bisch

[Medley]

10 grains per pound, so 500 grains would be good

Oops! Hit the wrong button.

Bisch

[Walt Francis]

My thoughts:
Once above 8 grains per pound of draw weight your time is better spent making sure the arrows are flying perfect..........on every shot.  A straight flying arrow will do more for penetration then most anything, provided you are using a cut on contact broadhead.  Personally, I have taken elk with arrows ranging in weight from 475-640 grains.  My most recent glass bow set up is 51# @ 29" with a 625 grain arrow.  I shoot whatever weight arrow that flies best out of my selfbows, providing the weight is over 500 grains.  Your bow weight will be fine in most circumstances, just be prudent with shot selection and do not press the bows/your limits.