I never would have guessed this.......

[slayer1]

So the past year or so I have dropped bow weight. When I started playing with traditional gear my first bow was a 65lb recurve. That was way to much weight. Then I went to bows in the mid 50's. This hunting season I shot a good buck back in September with a 45lb @ 28" longbow. Arrow blew right through him. Now my draw is 30" so I kind of figured that was enough. So this week I acquired a 42lb @ 28" longbow. So at my draw that would be about 48lbs. I made up a carbon arrow that weighed 487 grains( roughly 10 GPP) and shot it through the crono last night and I got 183, 184, 185. I was kind of surprised. Do you guys think this is enough for whitetails? This bow is a tack driver and I love the way it shoots. I was thinking a razor sharp 175 tiger shark would do the trick. What do you guys think?

[PICKNGRIN]

Absolutely!  I have shot quite a few with 42-45 lbs. and roughly the same arrow weight.  Normally get penetration thru the animal.

[Sawpilot 75]

Plenty of weight for WT. I sold a 1976 Bear Super Kodiak to a guy a couple months ago. It was 45#@28" He just shot a 200" Whitetail with it. Hope that helps.    

[Roy from Pa]

Heck ya, that bow would kill an elk.

If you are well tuned and can put that razor sharp broadhead in the correct place,  you should have no issues with a 48# draw weight!

Bisch

[KeganM]

Absolutely!

[joe ashton]

Yes.

[joe ashton]

Yes.

[ron w]

You are good to go........  

[kennym]

Yes, and that extra 2" draw length helps a LOT!

[slayer1]

Thanks guys. I figured that's what you would say. I guess I am a little weary when I make a change like this. Thanks again for all the input!

[Jon Stewart]

Wife killed a deer with a 34# longbow. Shot placement does it.

[YosemiteSam]

Seems plenty for me.  But if you're concerned, consider tuning a heavier arrow.

I've been told that from modern (traditional) bows, anything at about 35# and up will be fine for deer and most pigs with a well-placed shot, a well-tuned arrow and a very sharp head.  Everything else is just preference and peace of mind.

[damascusdave]

We have a gentleman here in Alberta who has killed several moose with a bow with less draw weight

DDave

[pdk25]

Absolutely, based on what others have done.  If I tried to do it, I might not hit the target because I am used to getting a better release with my bows that are just a touch heavier.

[shedhunta]

Killed 5 whitetails last year with 48#.  Every one was either a passthrough or had an exit.  You will be more than fine!