Absolute MINIMUM for Cape Buff.

[jcar315]

Great read for a deer hunter like me.

The pic of the Cape Buffalo skeleton was very interesting to say the least. I had no idea on the bone structure.

Dr. Ed, Thanks for all the detailed info provided. A true help to us all!!!

[BUFF]

When I shot mine it sounded like I hit my red wood privacy fence. I got about 20" of penetration with a 83# bow and a 980 grain arrow. I would never attempt to shoot one with less than 75#.    

[TheFatboy]

Less than 75? Well, I feel pretty confident that I can take one down with my 70 pounder. If not, then I die  

[Richie Nell]

With less than 75 you would just add more work for the PH.  After they looked for your buffalo then they would look for you...the small greasy spot.

[TheFatboy]

Well, it's 70@28", so I could easily pull a few more pounds out of it. With the correct setup, I have no doubt that it's possible.

[Jesse Peltan]

People are comparing draw weight with performance which isn't going to get you anywhere. If you take a 70#hill bow and a 70#black swan which one do you think will penetrate farther(given the same arrow)? The other problem comes with arrows. Not all 1000grain arrows are created equal. The difference between high and low foc in Doc Ashby's studies was an extra 50% penetration. Tapered vs non tapered, carbon vs wood, etc all matter. Next thing string material and strand count. That alone (if I remember correctly) was equal to 8# of draw weight speed increase. The point is that an efficient set up of low draw weight can outperform a non-efficient set up of high draw weight.

[TheFatboy]

You're completely right. As I wrote: "... with the correct setup..."  

[RaybowTx]

I don't frequent this section of the TG, but the experiances of those that have been successfull with this beast didn't play games.  The lite, lite bow syndrom of recent years have convinced people that this feat is capable by " accuracy, arrow flite, broadhead choice and accuracy."  

You can poke holes in elk all day long with my daughters 44 pound longbow.  But the Buff don't like the skeeter bites from bows of those 'piss ant' bow poundages.  I really can't believe this is a subject of question???

Raybow..........

[BUFF]

Raybow...Wow tell us how you really feel  

[TomMcDonald]

Originally posted by RaybowTx:
I don't frequent this section of the TG, but the experiances of those that have been successfull with this beast didn't play games.  The lite, lite bow syndrom of recent years have convinced people that this feat is capable by " accuracy, arrow flite, broadhead choice and accuracy."  

You can poke holes in elk all day long with my daughters 44 pound longbow.  But the Buff don't like the skeeter bites from bows of those 'piss ant' bow poundages.  I really can't believe this is a subject of question???

Raybow..........

Well told

[champ38]

I agree RaybowTx, good point.

[JohnV]

Draw weight poundage does not equate performance...it is only one of many factors that will determine how well an arrow will penetrate.  As the good doctor has proven time and time again, proper arrow design is critical for ultimate penetration with a given setup.  Even then, there will be a minimum weight for each given bow that will be sufficient to get the job done.  I will take a 65# high performance bow with proper arrow setup over an 80# bow that shoots like a dog and does not have an optimized arrow system any day of the week.

[Richie Nell]

I would rather have an 80# high performance bow with proper arrow setup than a 65# of same performance level.

I would think anyone who shoots a heavier bow thinks that proper tuning is just as important as the person shooting a heavy bow.

As I read throughout tradgang I notice over and over how guys imply that heavy bows and arrows are used by people who care nothing for accuracy, sharp broadheads or properly tuned arrows.

Hellooo

[tradtusker]

i Agree Richie
just because someone shoots an 80lb bow does not mean they ignore proper arrow set-up, tuning and optimized performance.
dont know where that misconception came from    :confused:

[Bow n' errors]

McHunt,
Don't know if this will help, but I had a major rotator cuff redo on my right shoulder (right-handed shooter) back in 2000.  Wasn't sure what would happen to my ability to shoot traditional as a result, but had to do something.  Anwyay, after proper physical therapy, I was able to slowly work my way up starting at 45# to now about 60# and feel like I could work up further if I really wanted to.  No problems and I actually start to get sore in the shoulder if I go without shooting for a couple weeks!?
Just wanted to let you know that you may not be as limited as you think after rotator cuff repair.
You might want to ask your doc or physical therapist if you have any limitations on your potential to work up after that rebuilt cuff, the nature of the damage and repair differs for everyone, but my experience after an extensive repair demonstrates that with proper, gradual work up, you might be able to get to 70# or more.  
Just wanted to let you know that you might be able to get closer than you think to that ideal weight, whatever that is.
Best wishes!

[oxnam]

Off the ACS gallery(http://www.acsbows.com/foreigngametrophies.html):

"Dangerous game
 
Mike Mealey made a perfect 35 yard heart shot to take this cape buffalo in South Africa.
Mike was shooting a 58# @28" ACS bow with 808 grain arrows behind Abowyer Brown Bear broad heads. "

Sounds like a long shot with a light bow, but he was successful.  Would shooting them from a treestand make it easier to get an arrow into the vitals?  In the picture of the skeleton, it looked like there are larger spaces between the rips up high and it got me thing.  Also it would be tougher to get killed in a tree.

[robtattoo]

Originally posted by oxnam:
  Also it would be tougher to get killed in a tree.

Nope, first off the buffalo will charge the tree, you'll fall out probably breaking your legs, the tree will land on you & then the buffalo will stomp you into the landscape. Seriously, the only trully safe place to be to shoot at a buffalo is in a tank & then the bastard probly has a can opener.

[oxnam]

I keep learning how nasty and tough they are and I want to hunt them more and more.  I must not be right.  

Do they ever get hunted out of treestands?

[Over&Under]

Originally posted by oxnam:
 Would shooting them from a treestand make it easier to get an arrow into the vitals?  In the picture of the skeleton, it looked like there are larger spaces between the rips up high and it got me thing.  Also it would be tougher to get killed in a tree.

Good idea, although I would think that even though there would be larger spaces to get an arrow through, penetration would be an even bigger issue because of the angle.  You would be trying to send an arrow through a larger chuck of body mass, and most likely would not get an exit hole, so your only hole to leak blood would be high on the body.


Rob - you crack me up!!!

[oxnam]

Very good point over&under.