Opinions on minimum #-age for Elk sized animals?

[GMMAT]

I'm interested in your opinions on minimum #-age (@ 28 or so inches) for a recurve (FF compatible) bow for elk.

My thought process, right now, is to have a set of 45# limbs for targets and turkeys, here in NC....and to have a set of 55# limbs for deer, here (Overkill, likely) and I'm hoping this set will suffice for elk, also.

Is this sound thinking?

Thank you.

[Lost Arra]

45# is plenty for deer

[nightowl1]

With a properly tuned set up, good placement and sharp tough broadhead 55 will take anything in northamerican and some would say the same about the 45

[wingnut]

The 55 will be great if you have good arrow flight and a sharp BH.  Shot placement is a given.

Mike

[elknut1]

Yes your 55# limbs is plenty & will do a fine job! That's what I use & have taken several bulls with that wt. I've used 3-blade SnufferSS & Wensel Woodsmans to date if that helps out at all.
   Even your 45# bow will do the job but I too like you would bump it up a bit for the extra umph! Good Luck!

  ElkNut1

[Schultzy]

55lbs will be good for elk Jeff. My dad and allot of his elk hunting buddy's all shot between 55 to 65 pounds with good success shooting recurves and longbows. Penetration was good for the most apart unless you smack one of them big old ribs dead center, there was still plenty of penetration In doing that but It was noticeable. I wouldn't be to keen on going with anything lighter then 50lbs though, just my opinion. The type of arrow and broadhead you use will make a difference as well.

Will (Huck) must be chomping at the bit with you on this, he asked me about going also and I told him It's In the future but just not sure when.

[GMMAT]

I just emailed him again today.  I'm already looking at flights.  I'm there in 2010.

Thanks, guys.  Probably gonna stick to an arrow in the 600gr. range and of course a slim, fixed head (probably the woodsman).

[sagebrush]

I would prefer the 55# limbs on elk. You can kill them with a 45# if everything is right on but I like the insurance for when I need a little extra penetration. Gary

[George D. Stout]

GMMAT, your thinking is sound if you can equate that to function.  If you pull your 55 a full 28" and can handle that with a good pull through release, you will have a great plus.  If you can't, then you would be better off with lighter limbs and a full draw with dynamic release.

I know guys who shoot 60 pound plus bow and wonder how I can shoot farther than them with a 45 pounder and the same weight arrow.  With my bow using dynamic release (pulling through as the string is released) I can out shoot many of them who have a static release, or even are letting up on release.  Form is critical so make sure you shoot both sets equally well at full draw.

[PAPA BEAR]

55 is plenty for elk.i get passthroughs with 50 if a rib doesnt slow it down to much.key is your broadhead.

[Hawkeye]

What George says reminds me of a friend who was always proud that he was shooting 63#@28".

Problem was, his 28.5" back of point arrow had about 4-5" hanging off the front (back) of the shelf when he shot.  He would have said he was hunting with 63#... I always supected he was closer to 50!

Your plan sounds great Jeff, if you really utilize the heavier limbs to their potential and shoot them well.    

[GMMAT]

I've only been shooting trad, seriously (compound convert) for about 6 mos.  I'm shooting a 52# 'curve, now....but I see the benefits of 45#'s for targets and birds.

Going up to 55-57#'s doesn't seem like too much of a stretch.....keeping the things you guys say in mind.  I'll shoot 55#'s from August thru the end of the year.....then switch to the lower # limbs.  My plan is to alleviate the need for 2 bows, this way.

[George D. Stout]

Sounds like you have your head screwed on straight Jeff.  Just mind the form and you will be fine.

[Wannabe1]

Legal limit for the state of Oregon is 50#. It has done the trick for countless years so, that in its self says enough.

Stay safe and shoot straight.  

[Brian Krebs]

I cannot think of a shot I have made on game where accuracy did not rule over everything. Especially elk. The kill zone is virtually the same size on an elk as a deer; when you consider bones.

 Shoot the bow limbs that you shoot the most accurately. Sharpen your broadheads and all should be well.

[30coupe]

I'm not a big fan of changing weights. Granted, I HAVE bows of from 45 to 55 pounds, but I SHOOT my 52# Kanati almost exclusively. I don't want to shoot the lighter bows at targets, then have my form go south when it really counts. If you are shooting a 52# bow now, why change from that? It will kill anything on the continent, and as George L. Herter used to say, "You can't get deader than dead."

[STICKDP]

Brian-- what