Montana longbow for hunting

[willhunting]

Hi there
I just bought a brand new montana longbow in #45.
Now, i draw exactly 28" so my poundage is around #45.
For the last 2 seasons, i went with my dorado in #50 for hunting but never killes a deer with.
This year i  would like to let an arrow fly with the montana on a deer.
What about speed loss and effective range with a longbow?

Thanks

[ron w]

You will be just fine.......find the range you are confident at and wait for the right shot.

[Pine]

Doubtful that you will hardly notice the difference .

[KevinK]

I have a 50# Montana. I never could get good with it. I know it's a great bow in the right hands, just not mine or at least not yet. One bit of advice I can offer to you is shoot a heavy arrow, 10GPP minimum even for target shooting. I actually like the feel best at 11GPP for that bow. It's going to be very quiet compared to your Dorado but don't let the sound fool you into thinking a light arrow is fine. If the bow is jumping out of your hands, go heavier.

[pinky]

Here are some numbers from 3 Rivers spine calculator. Hoyt Dorado did not show up so I chose the Generic Recurve.  I guessed at some arrows that come close, as far as the spine calculator recommends, and same grains per pound (apples to apples).

Comparison from 3Rivers spine calculator
 
(GT trad 55/75 @ 30.5" + 145 gr tip = 9.4 gr/lb)
Hoyt Dorado 50# @ 28" (generic recurve)
Arrow Speed (ft/sec) 187.2
Arrow Energy (ft-lbs) 36.5

(Trad only 500 @ 29.5” +145 gr tip =9.4gr/lb arrow)
Hoyt Dorado 45# @ 28” (generic recurve)    
9.4 gr / in arrow =  
Arrow Speed (ft/sec) 187.4
Arrow Energy (ft-lbs)32.9

Bear Montana 45# @ 28”    9.4 gr/lb arrow =  
Arrow Speed (ft/sec) 182.9
Arrow Energy (ft-lbs)31.3

It is fun to play around with the 3R spine calculator. For what it is worth, it provides a good starting guess and allows for some comparing.
You will have to find your comfort range.    

[Msturm]

I love hunting with my 45lb Montana!

I put on a fast flight string from 10 rings and it makes a difference in performance. I suggest you invest in one yourself.

I have taken game birds, hogs and goats with mine here in Hawaii.   I would not hesitate to take it deer black bear or elk hunting in the mainland.

I think mine is a 2014, it came with a rubbish string and a poorly executed handle wrap. I replaced both and the benefits were immediate.

Msturm

[willhunting]

Ok thanks !
I will try the montana in 3D this summer and will see if i can shoot it as accurate as my dorado

[Shadowhnter]

If you get a good arrow combo with that bow, you can take deer at 25 yards and under. Thats more distance then a lot of folks are comfortable to shoot anyway. Personally, I like them 12-15 yards. Either way its going to zip right through.

[BWallace10327]

To me, the Montana longbows that I've handled scream "Take me hunting".

[newhouse114]

I have a 60 lb Montana that has made a lot of meat!

[willhunting]

Made some tests tonight
My dl is finally exactly #46
My hunting will be heritage 150 29.5" 125 gr point
Total 455 grain arrow
Speed is only 161 fps

Tried some goldtip hunter 500 . They flew very well but are not very heavy.  Total was 400 grain

[mark Willoughby]

A montana is a flat out killing machine!!