My first bow was #50 at 28", and killed deer with pass through shots easily. My second bow was 56# at 28", and my second set of limbs for that bow was #52 at my draw. Killed many whitetails with that bow, all with pass through shots. Arrows for all these were Aluminum and with various traditional and fixed blade heads. I then dropped to a 46# bow with wood arrows with grizzly 2 blade, and you guessed it, still getting pass through shots. I am now the proud owner of a #45 lb bow @ 28", and I have yet to take an animal with it, but,,,,I have NO doubts, as it shoots with much more authority then the #46. Honestly, for me, I wouldn't hesitate to hunt whitetail with a #40 lb bow, and would still expect pass through shots. The key is tuning, practice,taking high percentage shots, and learning to make a good hit happen when the moment comes and the adrenaline is pumping. That is the major hurdle as far as I'm concerned. Don't get me wrong, there is a minimum weight ethically for any certain sized animal, and nothing at all wrong with heavier bows either (except my bum shoulder screams at me). Whatever you shoot, make sure it is well tuned,sharp broadhead, lots of practice, and set out to master shot placement under the stress of adrenaline. Shoot what you are comfortable with, and aim small friend. good luck!