Arrow Setup

[mn_militia]

Hello I am new to traditional hunting and have a question regarding arrow selection.

I shoot a Bear Super Magnum "48"  50# @ 28

My draw is 31.25

Right now I am shooting Beman ICS Hunter 340's with 100 grain heads.

I stuck a deer a couple of days ago and did not get a pass through arrow and subsequently did not recover the animal.  I am worried that my arrows are not heavy enough and that is why I did not get enough penetration.  The shot was a little high in the front shoulder, the broadhead did get into the lungs but not enough.  It was about 15/17 yards broadside.

Any and all suggestions are greatly appreciated!!

Brad Brasel

[Friends call me Pac]

Brad do you know what your arrows weigh?  I take mine to the post office and ues their scale.

Is your broadhead cut on contact or another type?  Last year I used 125 gr Magnus 2 blades and 2016 aluminum arrows.  I had a pass through on one deer and a partial pass through on another deer.  My bow is 51 @ 28".  My total arrow weight was 504 gr and I was happy with the results.  

This year I tried a new broadhead/arrow combo.  I used carbons and a magnus 1 4 blade head for a total arrow weight of 525 gr.  

I shot 2 spikes and the penetration was not good.  One was a bad shot between the backbone and the top of the lungs so I kind of throw that one out.  The second shot was 12 yards, quartered away and was absolutely placed right where I wanted it.  Only problem was no hole on the other side.

The only difference from last year is carbon arrows and a wider 4 blade head instead of a narrower 2 blade head.  I've gone back to what worked for me before.  

My knowledge with hunting with carbons is very limited.  I know they work and hopefully you will get some answers for your qustions.

When you do find the combo that works for you I'd stick with it.

[lpcjon2]

Switch to wood arrows and a 2-blade or a woodsman they hit like a freight train!!

[Apex Predator]

You are drawing close to 60# and have enough horse power to shoot any arrow you want.  You hit them in the shoulder blade, and you may not get through even with much heavier gear.  Shoot them in the right spot and you can shoot through three of them side by side with what you have.  You could shoot 750-800 grain EFOC carbons and a two blade and maximize your current set up, but it may not have made any difference in this case.