but does more weight up front cause the arrow to drop faster?
Two, for example, 500 grain arrows, one 10 percent FOC and one 30 percent FOC would have identical trajectories.
All objects, regardless of mass, drop the same RATE, the variable is the speed which determines how far they go before hitting the ground. Since both above 500 grain arrows would be going the same FPS, the trajectory would be identical.
Additional mass or grain weight in TOTAL will create more of a trajectory. Each person decides what trajectory they can or will live with just like each chooses all other factors.
As in all things, there are "trade offs" and increasing some things reduces others quite often.
Sorry to hear that you didn't get your deer. Better shot placement is always our goal but things happen and each of us has had shots we wish were placed better.
Some prefer to shoot arrows set up for "worst case scenarios" and are for maximum penetration. Others prefer to shoot arrows that almost always will penetrate with only a few acceptions, but they have a flatter trajectory and they feel they have increased odds in better arrow placement.
Each of us must choose for ourselves. There is no ONE "perfect" set up for all of us but each attempts to find HIS own.
I will add that the tapered carbons, with the heavier constructed front end of the arrow both in diameter and wall thickness are advertised to reduce or eliminate just what you had happen as well as offer slightly less shaft drag during penetration.
I shoot both tapered and straight but have yet to break either. The first time I shoot one that breaks the arrow on contact? Will be the last time I hunt with that shaft. I've yet to hit bone since switching to carbons, but sooner or later I will, odds are anyway.
There is almost TOO much information out there today on the pros and cons of either direction. Some are die hards in one extreme and others are die hards in the opposite, and others, like yours truely, is shooting for that "middle road".
A trajectory I can shoot extremely accurate,(this is not tested with a chronograph but by shooting them) with an arrow type, mass, EFOC, and head set up that will give maximum penetration is MY "perfect arrow" yet it would not automatically be for anyone else.
In reply to the original question. Yes,better shot placement would have saved the day..as well as an arrow set up that would have penetrated.
All always attempt the best shot location and still sometimes it don't happen. I try to be prepared for that if it does.
God Bless.