Arrows Too Heavy?

[Dallas]

Currently shooting lam. birch arrows that weigh in at 760 gr. total.  My draw wt. is 63 lbs. at my draw length.  That means I'm shooting slightly over 12 gr. per lb.  Is that too heavy?  Arrow flight is good, but the trajectory shows a bit more arc (15 yds.) than arrows weighing 660 gr.  Just wondering if there's a point where you begin to lose the advantage of a heavy arrow.

[Kamu]

I've been wanting to know the same thing!!!!!!!!!!

[Charlie Lamb]

As long as accuracy doesn't suffer from the increased trajectory it's fine.

Personally I don't see a need for more than the 660 gr. you mentioned.

[magnus]

I agree with Charlie. I shot laminated birch that were that heavy and when I went back to 20 yards they dropped like a rock.

[ChuckC]

Unless you are hunting REALLY BIG critters. . . . ,  yup, what they said.

ChuckC

[frassettor]

I shoot almost the same weight arrows (780 grains ) out of my setups listed below. No problems here.

[wooddamon1]

Back when I hunted from trees a lot more it didn't seem to affect flight as much out to 15 yards or so. I was shooting lam birch arrows through deer that were also over 700gr with 55# bows. On the ground I'm liking the 10gpp rule for the flatter trajectory out to 20 yards or so.

[Knawbone]

I would think there is a point of diminishing returns. Like Charlie said, the DR's being too much trajectory.I think no matter what weight bow you shoot, 9 to 10 gpp is about perfect for optimum efficency.

[Orion]

I don't think 12 gpp is necessarily too heavy.  I often shoot that myself.  However, my bows are lighter so my arrow weight is closer to 600 grains.  I agree with Charley.  If the 660s work for you.  No need to go heavier.

[smoke1953]

I shoot the same arrow and bow weights as frassettor however using an HH bow. These bows perform very well with that weight and the feel upon release is best, in my opinion ,with the weight. With my shots on animals of 20 yds an less there has been no negative(is that a double negative?)

[bornagainbowhunter]

If you like it, shoot it.  Only problems I can foresee that have not been mentioned is string jump.  I know heavy arrows are quieter, but a deer can hear much better than we can.

I have heard some say it is the feather noise rather than the bow thump that send deer on alert.  Either way, it might be something to consider.

FYI, I shoot 64-70 @ 28 and draw about 29" (just shy), My heaviest arrow is 628. I have no problems with noise or trajectory.  

God Bless,
Nathan

[Friend]

If the 760 gn arrow wt in conjunction with your draw wt permits you to both accurately and consistantly execute w/i your effective hunting range, you should be golden.

My opinion only -Would believe that you are delivering far more than necessary to consistantly harvest critters in North America.

[Terry Green]

Nah...most of the times its helpful...

But not always...like in TX over a feeder...or an alert whitetail elsewhere...or over a waterhole in Africa for certain game....you might opt for a lighter quicker arrow.

I know I do in TX......but with regular gear and an alert deer or even hog, I lower my aim a bit for ducking.

I like what Charlie said too though....out of that bow you wouldn't have any issues with 10 grains per pound....shoot whats most accurate....accuracy trumps everything, along with good arrow flight!!!

[Russ Clagett]

excellent discussion....please continue...

I am a heavy arrow fan....mine are between 730 or so and 830 or so...

[stujay]

   

[BuckeyeGuy]

My arrows are right at 650 grains out of a 50 and 55 lb recurve, not too heavy for me and my bows seem to like them too.

[Mark Baker]

Tell it all to Monty Browning...he's been a heavy arrow advocate for decades now, and shoots much heavier out of his bows.  If you read his most recent article, he still shoots even heavier using aboout the same weight bow (nowadays) that you are.  

Perhaps not needed on deer/hogs, etc.  But if you get used to shooting something regularly, changing up all the time for each critter you hunt can cause some headache, perhaps.   My mantra is two holes for bloodtrails.  At the close ranges I have to get to "hit" anything, the weight of my arrow isn't my big concern as long as it's adequate.   I usually shoot from 600 to 700 plus grains for the bows I shoot which range from low-sixties to mid-seventies at my draw.  

The advantages of a heavy arrow, IMO, for hunting are (regardless of diminishing returns...and since I shoot at such close range anyway trajectory doesn't seem to apply either) is that heavier will still absorb more energy from the bow...making the bow quieter (I don't buy the feather noise issue either for the same close range reasons);  and allows you to use perhaps a bigger broadhead with more cutting surface and still get two holes for bloodtrails; and more momentum translates into better penetration for "iffy" shots;  so again - a built-in type of insurance similar to shooting the heaviest bow you can handle.  

Terry is right, I think, in that every situation or hunt requires a bit different thought process.  I will regularly shoot lighter arrows for pronghorns - at longer ranges - because they are easy to shoot through and faster than greased lightning at the sound of the bow.  So just think it through.   But generally 10grns/lb of bow weight is a good place to start.