Worried about arrow weight

[FrankM]

My arrows are getting quite heavy while I'm trying to tune them (see sig). I still need to add about 20 grains to get them to straighten out completely without that bit of right nock kick (can't move shelf right anymore). Here's my dilemma. I've never hunted before. I want to train myself well in the backyard, maybe do some 3D shoots, and then attempt to hunt some pig in a guided hunt. Do you think maybe I should move to a lesser spined arrow to train with?

[Night Wing]

Shooting 54# with 660 grain arrows means you're shooting 12.22 GPP (grains per pound) arrows.

That isn't too heavy in my opinion. I think the majority of trad bowhunters shoot between 10-12 GPP arrows.

As an example, last season I was shooting 42# with 602 grain arrows which means I was shooting 14.33 GPP (grains per pound) arrows which many consider to be very heavy arrows.

[Rock Crusher]

The only thing you have to worry about with heavier arrows is the trajectory. If you always shoot the heavy arrows that won't be a problem either as you'll get used to it. I'm shooting 650-680 grain arrows out of my 50# recurve and they hit like a box of rocks!

[freeman]

I like a heavier hunting arrow. Aside from the penetration advantage, they're quieter too...

[Tom-Wisconsin]

I also shoot a heavy arrow with my recurve at 43#.
Here are my arrow specs.


GT expeditions hunters  3555
Spine 0.500
Straightness 0.600 +/-
30” cut to cut
30 7/16 inches BOP (bottom of nock to point)
7.4 gpi
222 grains
11 gr nock
6.9 gr fletching (4” inch feathers, right wing)
100 gr brass inserts
300 gr field pts
Balance pt 24.5 “
FOC 30.3%
645 gr total wt

[wtpops]

Sounds like a good pig arrow to me.

I like to stay around 10 to 12 myself

[FrankM]

All good info. I'm going to the shop today to get more weights. I'll either end up with 680 or possibly 700 grains depending.

I'm tempted to buy some CE 150's and run them around 500 grains. But I don't know if that would be a benefit for 3D or not. Any thoughts are appreciated on having different sets of arrows for the same bow for different purposes.

[goatkiller]

Frank,

Life is full of compromises.

I shoot a lighter bow now too. Its 40#@29". I draw it back 31 1/2" so its probably between 45# and 50#. And I shoot ICS 300 Beaman Hunter with 300 grain heads. They straighten out fast and hit hard. Lighter spine arrows don't straighten as soon after they leave the bow, and if they are flopping around when they hit they won't transfer energy or penetrate as they should.

So my compromise is to get what shoots straight,with a heavy head for penetration,and a stronger shaft for durability and a longer useful life. The ICS 300 Beaman works best for me. Vantage Point makes a nickle-plated 300grain fieldpoint that hits the target with a satisfying thump, and they have a 300grain three-blade that is machined from a solid piece of steel. And thats what I shoot.

Good luck hunting!

[FrankM]

Yes, they do hit hard. I have a Field Logic Block Classic 22 Layered Archery Target that I bought. My arrows now go completely through it and stick into the horse mat behind it.

[taxlaw1]

Stick with them. Remember that it takes time to get comfortable with the heavier arrow, but the practice is well worth the field perfromance. Practice with the arrows you plan to hunt with. This way no supprises in the field.