How many strands for this one

[monterey]

Just putting the finishing touches on an RD that came in a bit heavy.  Looks like it will finish at 82 - 85 at 28". 

I'm wondering how many strands of B55 the string should have?  I know there are "rules" and guidelines for this but I'd like to get it straight from a pro.

Most of the bows I build are in the 35 to 45 range and I use 12 strands on all of them. This one is a whole nother ball game though.

[Bud B.]

I would use 16. All I use is B55. You may have issues with nock fit unless you go very thin on serving or use Bohning Classic index nocks on wood arrows.

All my bows up to 55lbs I use 12 strands.

[Bud B.]

Additionally, I had a 71@27 Hill bow. I used 14 strands on it without any issue. Nock fit on standard nylon serving was a bit tight on GT nocks. Bohning Classics were good, though. Enough room was left for additional strands with the Classics.

[monterey]

Looking like 16 is the answer.  Thanks for the advice.

[Pat B]

I'd use 16. For bows to 45# to 65# I use 14 strands. Some say I could use 12 but in many years I've never broken a string.

[LBR]

14 would work, 16 is better.  You'll need a larger throated nock like a Bohnning Classic or Mercury with a smaller serving, like a .014 Halo.

[Ken Taylor]

I still shoot pretty heavy bows for my age (average 71 to 75) and I agree with 16 stands.

I used to shoot heavier bows and with similar string material I had 18 strands in my strings.

I just got a new 69# and apparently with the material that string is made (I forget the name the bowyer told me it was made of) there are only 12 strands.