Arrows don't fly straight

[User Name]

Hello -

I have been shooting my new longbow.  At ten yards I'm hitting my 5 inch circle surprisingly well, but looking straight down the arrows are oriented to the left about 10 to 15 degrees.  (Point left, nock right).  Vertical orientation is great.

Any common reasons this happens?

Thanks

[JBiorn]

Try shooting from a little farther away. I think your arrows are still in paradox when the strike the target. Either that or you need to re-think your spine weight.

 Jeff

[User Name]

Thanks Jeff.

Moving back mad a big improvement.  Now I just need to learn to shoot better.  

Were you thinking stiffer or more flexible?  The guys at the pro shop, which has very little traditional, thought I was shooting tree trunks, even though the arrows spec according to the weight.

Doug

[Shawn Leonard]

Ya would have to tell us what bow and #age you are shooitng and than what arrows you are shooitng and their length and point weight. Also what your draw length is and what #age your bow is at your draw. Shawn

[User Name]

Shawn,

Thanks for taking the time to ask.  Here's some data:

Martin Custom Bushmaster Longbow by Howatt

60 lb at 28; my draw is very close to 28

Easton XX75 Gamegetter 300 2317's cut to 28.75"

145 grain field tips

4 inch helical 3 feather fletchings

Arrows balance 9.5 inches behind tip insert.

The proshop guys weighed the setup and said they thought it was good for 60 lbs.  I think it came in at about 550 grains, but I can't remember the arrow weight for sure and can't figure out from Easton's site how to determine it.

Also, by asking another question on another forum, I realized I was braced an inch too short at 6.5 inches.  I have ordered a new flemish string to get the proper height.

Doug

[bayoulongbowman]

I shoot 5 to 5 1/2 inch feathers ...wish I still had my easton chart...someone help this man...

[Molson]

I'd say those 2317's are too stiff.   I would think with that bow at that length you should be shooting something around a 2020 or 2117.  If you plan on shooting any broadheads, you should probably jump up to at least a 5" feather and a 5 1/2" would be better.

[aromakr]

User name:
those 2317's are way too stiff for your set up. If your bow is center cut, 2020 would be good. If its less than center 2018's. If 3/16' past center then 2117's. Your problem came when the pro shop guy used the Easton spine chart, it way off for trad bows. A properly spined arrow will shoot fine with 4" fletchings, however with broadheads use 5" 3fletch.
Bob

[User Name]

Thanks Guys

You're sure right!  I downloaded easton's calculator and it put me right where you say! And I get my 9 to 10 grains per pound. The "pro" must have used a different chart.  Why didn't I ask you guys FIRST!!    

Of course that leads me to another question - this calculator doea not change when I select compound or recurve.  I get different numbers when I select "Modern Longbow", however.  Why woul that be?

Thanks for your help.

Doug

[User Name]

THANK YOU   THANK YOU   THANK YOU.  

2018's with 5 inch 3 feather are killers!  Now I am experimenting with 29 inch w/ 145 grain points and 30 inch w/ 100 grain points, based on Easton's spine calculator.  I can't tell which one I like better, but they are both MUCH better that 2317's.

I also increased my brace to 7.5 inches.

I am having so much fun that I forgot to stay mad about the $60 I blew on the 2317's.  Got some for sale!

If this keeps up I may sell the compound, which I have been keeping for elk this fall.

[Molson]

Just a suggestion...Now that you have the right arrows, I would tune them and the bow in with broadheads if you plan on hunting with it.  I would lean toward the 29" 145 combo.  I think you'll find your bow has a much better feel to it when shooting the heavier broadhead up front as opposed to the 100 grainer.