The 10 grain per pound rule?

[Mole trapper]

Hi all
Another random thought occurred to me this afternoon while I was putting some wraps on my new penthalon heavy hunters. I was trying to work out how much the wraps weighed towards my total arrow weight ( bit anal really) I have been trying not to exceed the 10 grains per pound equation,  then I started thinking how rigid should I try to actually stick to it? Is it merely a guide line?
I am drawing 30" with the 40 lb slickstick so pulling around 46 lbs, so apparently the total weight should not exceed 460 grains, I'm actually going to struggle to keep it anywhere near that low,  the shafts are 11.55 gpi, and the inserts made for them are 37 grains.
Your input would be greatly appreciated as always.

[Pat B]

It's not a rule but a suggestion. If you can shoot accurately with 11.55 there should be no worries.

[Pine]

Actually it's a don't go under rule. Heavier arrow are easier on the  bow, less shock and more energy in the arrow.

[Hud]

I believe, Fred Bear said his were 9 - 10 gpi, and then think about the guys using 250 gr. broadheads with light equipment, it limits your range regardless of what the target is, or whether your in a blind, tree or ground hunter.

[Orion]

10 gpp is a nice mid-range arrow weight, but it's not written in stone.  Most of my arrows are 11-12 gpp.  Build an arrow that flies well for you and accept it. 

[M60gunner]

It’s a guideline like mentioned already. At hunting ranges, say 20-25 yards a heavier arrow should do fine. At those ranges especially 20 yards and under you shouldn’t have to make any drastic adjustments for arrow drop either. I am also having an issue with coming up with a 10gpi arrow for my lighter weight bows. But my new 45# Widow likes 12 gpi so I ain’t gonna argue

[Wudstix]

As mentioned it is more of a guideline.  10 gpi will help keep the bow quiet, as well.  I'm shooting 63-67# and have 29" shafts that are 600-700 grains "raw".  I shoot heavy heads, so my TAW is pretty good.  Feather fletch, stain, nock and point usually is at least 220-250 grains.  I do shoot tapered, or tapered and footed shafts, so FOC is decent for a woody.
 

[Mole trapper]

As always,  some very informative feedback,  thank you for this.
I believe I should be using a tital arrow weight of 460 grains working on the usual formulation,  however these heavy hunters are already 530 with only 125 fieldpoint on them.  I will just shoot them at targets and slowly increase foc by using heavier field points till it doesn't shoot at its best.

[Friend]

Recall hearing the 10 gpp guideline in the 70's. My interpretation has always been that is necessary in order to protect the bow. Many bowyers, in that era, would void their warranties if using an arrow below 9 ggp.

[Wudstix]

For bows of 60# or better, much below 9 gpp will really put stress on a bow and increase noise.  Speed doesn't kill, quiet does.