I'll start with the equipment I was using as the story is based around that and the observations I made.
Widow PLX 64" 42# @ 28" with 3-18 ACC and 130 grain STOS, 432 grain total arrow weight.
Friday evening a friend of mine asked if I would like hog hunt on his part of the lease, we both climbed in a large pine that he had 2 LOC-ON's hung in. I got in the stand first and pulled my bow up, Jamie followed but before he could get settled and pull his bow up, here come 2 sows. They were between 15-20 yards and broadside.
Jamie said for me to shoot the black one as the red one had piglets with her just a few days ago. I picked a spot, drew back and let her fly. The ACC flew like a dart and I knew with a 130 STOS that if I did my part, things would go well. The arrow hit her low in the shoulder and penetrated about 14 inches lodging in the off shoulder, she tore out of there but look hit pretty hard as she was plowing up ground. She broke the arrow off at the broadhead after about 15 yards, we lost site of her as she headed in a switchcane thicket toward the creek.
After a long 45 minute wait we climbed down and found the arrow, got on the bloodtrail which was easy to follow up until about 50 yards where she laid down. As we were looking for more blood I spotted her 10 yards away laying on her belly, Jamie held back the switchcane as I put another arrow thru her lungs but high lodging in the opposite rib cage, she jumped and ran breaking the arrow off at the broadhead,she only went 10 yards and fell over. Total distance from shot to recovery 70-80 yards. We guess she weighed 150# or so.
Some observations I made on equipment as follows.
1. The STOS did their job and penetrated well even though my shot placement was marginal, especially on the 1st shot, low and through the shoulder.
2. The arrow breaking at the broadhead is better than breaking the entire shaft which could remain in animal and plug hole preventing blood getting on the ground as quickly.
I would think the arrow pulling out but broadhead remaing in would not spook the animal as much as a arrow broken off and hitting against saplings and such ?
These observations are based only on this kill with above mentioned equipment. I do feel that this setup on whitetail will be more than enough, especially considering the toughness of a hog compared to whitetail.
I hope to put the WIDOW/ACC/STOS combo to the test more this Summer and Fall.
A great hunt with with a good friend and it was only 94 degrees.