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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: blueslfb on July 18, 2008, 12:33:00 PM
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After doing some research/reading on arrow weight and momentum for my up-coming elk adventure, I have a question for the guys that know more than me.
After reading statements like "....you can never have too much arrow weight...." It seems there has to be a point where the law of diminishing returns becomes an issue. The arrow is so heavy the bow is no longer able to generate enough energy to propel the arrow efficiently. I think the problem would be with lighter poundages. Like a 45#er shooting a 1200gr arrow vs. 45#er shooting say a 550grn arrow. Just an example to clarify the point. Any thoughts or am I way off base.
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Yes I believe you are right. There is a point of diminishing returns. Where it starts I believe depends on how efficient the bow is. For me my rule of thumb is as long as the bow can propel the chosen arrow weight (in my case I never shoot arrows <600gr) over 150fps I'm confident that when the arrow get there it will do it's job. Now this is only my opinion based on personal experience. I hope someone that knows for sure would see this thread and clarify things.
Should not have said "never" I do sometimes shoot <600gr but am always atleast 10gr/lb.
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Sean-
If you are still shooting the JD berry I traded you, you shouldnt have any problems! That bow with a 650 grain arrow will kill anything on this continent. Still kicking myself for letting that bow go.....
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After reading my post I feel I might need to clarify a bit. My 150fps rule of thumb is for heavy arrows ie. 12-16gr/lb. If I'm shooting only 10gr/lb I want a minimum of 175fps, over 180fps is prefered.
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I guess I need to clarify a little. The set-up I gave as an example is not what I am shooting when I go chase elk. That was only an example. The set-up I am usng this fall is a 60lb Hill Wesley Special shooting a 625gr arrow tipped with a Stos b/h.
I tried all different arrow weights when I was deciding what to use for elk. I tried everything from 550grn arrows up to almost 800grn arrows. I found that with my bow I got good arrow flight, and flatter trajectory and good penetration with arrows in the 600 to 650grn range. Once I got over 650grns the arrows dropped dramaticaly over 20yds and over that the "arch" in archery was an understatement. I realize there are more efficient bows on the market but this is what I found for my set-up.