FMJ Durability or All Carbon Alternatives

[Dogboy900]

I am looking to set up some heavy arrows for a new bow I have in the works. I am looking for around 600 to 650 grains total arrow weight. I would like to use my current 200 grain heads as I have a bunch of VPA 200 grain 2 blades, I will probably also use brass inserts up to about 100 grain (I think HIT brass inserts go up to 75 grain for the FMJ's).

Anyway I am thinking FMJ's would fit the bill despite being a little more pricey than I would prefer, but I do have concerns on their durability.
Back in my compound days I shot a speed demon of a bow with FMJ's and had issues when stumping with the insert driving back into the arrow and peeling back the shaft. Also had the odd one bend on me if it clipped a tree limb.

Anybody here shooting FMJ's care to offer an opinion, and also does anybody foot them for better point durability?

Alternatively does anybody know of a full carbon shaft that runs around 12GPI for a 340 or possibly 300 spine shaft?

Thanks

[acedoc]

I think axis 300 is right around 12 gpi and when footed they are nigh indestructible.  If you want more durability use the footing system from vintage archery. That said I use the Beman ICS bowhunters @ 9.3 gpi.  I have gotten them to 200 fps from my ilf setup and hit stumps with no issues. Don't know if they will handle rock hits (probably not).
For the price they rock

[KAZ]

DogBoy900,
I’m running FMJ400 shafts right in the weight range you’re setting up for. I foot them with around 1-1/8” to 1-3/16” Easton 1914 aluminum footings. Very durable for stumping & great arrows...  That being said, if something large falls on it, it may not make it....      

The arrow made it intact for 40 yards, then the buck fell on it. If you zoom in on entry you can see the fletching segment broken. I can live with that...    

 

[Warden609]

I have shot FMJs for along time. Absolutely my favorite arrow. Stump shooting hasn’t been a problem for me with these arrows, but as mentioned above they will bend in certain circumstances. I’ve killed a pile of deer with them.

[larry f]

I have been shooting them for a few years and I have not had any problems with them. If you are looking at getting a high % of FOC there may be better shafts to help you accomplish that. But just a heavy arrow they are the ticket. My 340' s with a heavy head are  just about 700 grains.

[Dogboy900]

Thanks guys.
Looks like I have nothing to worry about if I decide to go with the FMJ's, and options if I don't.

Great deer there KAZ he looks like a real beast!
Do you find the footing affects the spine at all?

[katman]

You might check out widow makers, one tough shaft. U-tube has some vids.

 https://www.facebook.com/Widowmaker-USA-996223063722709/app/?sk=app_251458316228&ref=page_internal

[KAZ]

Originally posted by Dogboy900:
Great deer there KAZ he looks like a real beast!
Do you find the footing affects the spine at all?

I doubt it changes spine much. Footing at 1-1/8” - 1-3/16” shouldn’t extend past the Hidden Insert so that area is already not flexing, and the footing weight is ~11 grains (Pending Footing Size/Type). That being said, I usually tune with the footing & insert installed and trim the nock end of the bareshaft for my final length. If I were to “guess”, my footing/length would very slightly weaken spine almost like adding two 5 grain brass washers between the end of arrow and broadhead...

[KSdan]

KAZ- Now that's the proverbial "Nail in the coffin!"  Very cool!!

Back to the OP. . .    

Dan in KS

[old_goat2]

Victory archery has a new arrow coming out this summer, it's small diameter and has a Stainless Steel mesh Incorporated into the carbon fiber layers, the .400 spine are supposed to 11.8gpi. it's called the Xtorsion, I think it's going to be super tough arrows, not sure how expensive though, bet they are pricey!

I’ve killed a boatload of critters with FMJ’s since I switched to them a few years ago. I love them. I have broken quite a few in critters, but no more than when I was using an all carbon shaft. I do get more complete pass thrus with them, and believe that is due to the skinnier shaft. I have an Arizona Arrow straightener that I bought way back when I shot aluminum arrows, and it works great for straightening the occasional bent shaft.

Bisch

[Steve O]

I have shot FMJs tipped with 260g Snuffers and Judo’s into steel plate from 60#+ bows, splitting the judo’s and turning the Snuffers inside out. No damage to the shafts. The insert must be put in with stronger epoxy than with what is sent with the shafts. I use JB Weld and do not foot them.

[Dogboy900]

OK I am thinking I am sold on the FMJ's.
Got a few months before my bow shows up But I think I will order a 1/2 doz 300's and 340's and start getting them sorted ready for when it gets here.

Katman thanks for the Widowmaker suggestion. They do look very impressive but maybe too heavy for what I am looking for.

Thanks for all the contributions guys, it is much appreciated.

[Onions]

FMJ's are great shafts, and I do shoot them. They are very durable with impact shots, however, I don't like how they tend to bend.
I had one bend just shooting at tennis balls in my backyard. Plus, I've killed 5 deer with them, and each animal either broke the shaft, or on  pass through shots, the arrow was too bent to be used again. The arrow did its job, so I can't fault it for that, but I just expected more from the arrow at that price.
I also like how they pull easily out of targets.

However, I believe the Easton Aftermath to be a better value. All carbon shaft, that is durable. Probably not as durable as FMJ with impact shots, but they don't bend.
I have multiple arrows that have killed multiple deer. Clean the fletch off, and its ready to go again.
Just my two cents....

chris <><