New Bowhunter seeking answers

[DeerHunet]

I'm new to bow hunting and I want my bow and arrow set up to be as good as possible.  And from my experience this far people on this sight have given me more insight than independent internet research or archery shops that seem mainly to be interested in compounds these days.  First thing is brace height, how do I know what the best brace height for my bow, a #55 1970 bear kodiak hunter, is?  It has amo 60" on it so I was told to get a 56" string and the brace height will be right, is that correct? 2nd how do you know the proper nocking point, I know an 1/8th to 3/8th of an inch above perpendicular point is a rule of thumb, but is that all I need to do?  Now for the arrow I know the rule of thumb for total mass is 10 grains for  each lb of draw weight, and that a high foc is good so where do I start out on shaft weight and broadhead weight?  I realize much of this comes with personal preference and experience but I want to try and start out in the right direction.  I guess I should add that I use a peep sight when I realize most of people on here probably are instinctive so I would prefer maybe a little flatter trajectory, without giving up too much penetration of course, than most for more forgiveness in my range estimation.  Oh and my draw length is about 29.25" if thats helps on any advice.  All thoughts, opinions, and advice are always welcome, thanks.

[Cherokee Scout]

Try a brace heigth of about 8-8.5" You can move it higher or lower by twisting the stirng. Try different heights until the bow shoots smoother, no hand shock, and is quietest.
You will know if the string nock position is correct if the arrow flys perfectly straight. If it kicks up  and down, nock posiiton is too high or low. Move it about 1/8" at a time until arrow does not kick up and down. Most importantly is proper shaft spine. If shaft kicks from side to side, shaft is too stiff or too weak. For proper flight, especially with broadheads spine needs ot be as perfect as possible. One way to determine proper spine to to shoot a shaft with no feathers.  For a right hand shooter the nock kicks left if the shaft is too weak, kicks right if shaft is too stiff. If too stiff, try a heavier point, If too weak, cut it shorter. Concerning FOC, do not worry about it if you shoot carbons. In my opinion, forget the peep site, learn to shoot instinctive. It is like throwing a ball or casting a fishing lure, do it a million times and you will get good at it. Braodhead weight somewhat depends on the stiffness of the shaft spine, heavier points will help weaken a stiff shaft. Good luck.

[Ted Fry]

Try an 8" brace measured from the deepest part of your grip to the string. this should be good for that bow . Nock point is good at 3/8" above center for nocking under.
Mass weight is a personal thing but if you want an average weight try around a 380-400 grain shaft with a 125 grain point, I tend to go a bit heavier with a 160 grain point for better FOC and mass. For a 55# Bear recurve 10#s over the weight will be a good spine.
Most important , experiment to find what works best for you rather than all that give advice and have fun

[paleFace]

David here is a great source for bow tuning. it's not the end all to end all's but it has helped a lot of bowhunters over the years.    http://bowmaker.net/index2.htm

the one tip that i can add here is to be patient and don't try to rush the outcome. once you hit that sweet spot you will know it and so will your bow. good luck with it and welcome to Trad Gang, you won't find nicer or more knowledgeable people any where.