Form and EFOC?

[NYArrow]

This is my first post to the shooters forum and want to thank you guys for the great information here! I made the move into trad archery 2 months ago and can't seem to get enough! In doing so I it seems finding true flight in the arrow can be very technical. I recently found myself buying several dozen differently spined arrows in an effort to find what best fit my bow. Now looking back I feel a large part of my problem was form. I continually noticed my nocks flying left enroute to target. After much shooting I eliminated most of this by lowering my elbow to be inline with my arrow and not pinching the arrow with my fingers during draw/release. Now most all arrows fly pretty well despite spine or weight. The question I'm getting at in all of this is how can a shooter tell if it is he or the arrow causing problems? With all the information on matching arrows to bows and etc. it can be grueling. As of now I'm shooting a 55lb Montana @28" with my 27.5" draw. Arrows are 3355 GT trads with 100grain inserts, 145 grain tips and bare shaft. Other arrow setup is identical except with 100grain tips. Additionally it seems the 145 grain tip with a FOC of 23% hits center shot much better than the other arrow. Thoughts or ideas to clear the mud?

[katman]

http://www.bowmaker.net/index2.htm
May help to read about bare shaft tuning. I interpret your post as you are shooting bare shafts only. Trying to consistently group bare shafts takes mighty good form. Get your arrow tuned the best you can using the above linked method, you may find you will re-tune later as your form progresses.

[moebow]

NYArrow,  Here's what I think FWIW.  If you are shooting reasonably good groups with arrows of the same spine, then your form is consistent.  Even if your arrows are two or three spine groups off, you should still be able to shoot groups.  The groups may be left or right, high or low of the target but there will be groups.  Until you are able to do this, you are "chasing your tail". You will never know if it is your form or the tune of the equipment.

In general, no groups = you, good groups, just not on target = equipment tuning.

[njloco]

That last sentence of moebow, says it all.

[TWarrows]

IMHO your bow weight of 55# may be to much for a new trad. hunter to try and work on form. I would drop to about 40# and see if we can get that group tight..But thats just MHO

[NYArrow]

Yes I have been shooting bare shafts only in an effort to find the right spine for my bow. (tough process to a guy new to trad archery) Thank you guys for the input. The last sentence by moebow makes a lot of sense and helps bring things into perspective. Over the last month I have certainly tightened my groups with meticulous practice. Thanks again!