Arrow weight for Elk

[Vinyari]

hey everyone

got drawn for cow elk this year and have decided to take my longbow with me, I shoot a lost creek r/d 45# @ 28" and drawing 28". Presently I am shooting 600spine 29" arrow with 125gr plus 100grain brass up front, total arrow weight with 3 4" feathers and arrow wrap 450gr. I have been told by some very good friends, that I trust and look up too that I need more arrow weight, and I agree, my broad heads are muzzy phanton 125's. i'd prefer to not change out my broadheads, but if necessary then I will, I am use to shooting that weight up front and don't want to have to mess with the change this close to season.

Any suggestions that we have not thought of?
Well thanks in advance for any and all responses.

Randy

[Smallwood]

That's a very debated subject (arrow weight).
I personally think you'd be ok if you kept your shots broadside and kept them under 20 yards.

Another option, is to go to the next heavier spine and put enough weight up front to get them tuned right (ie. heavy brass inserts and heavier point weights).
This would give you a much heavier arrow with more penetrating potential, but youd loose the flat trajectory you currently have.
In the end, the decision is going to have to be made by you and what your comfortable hunting with.

hope this helps,
sammy

[buckeye_hunter]

Here are a couple links on the subject for your reading enjoyment! There are lots of posts relating to this...

 http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=076788;p=1

 http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=069790

 http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=070869#000001

 http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=074540

-Charlie

[Vinyari]

thanks for the replies guys

Randy

[Brian Krebs]

Its kind of funny - asking which arrow is best for elk- is almost like asking which color shirt one should wear: when accepting the winnings of a 100,000,000 dollar lottery ticket.            

 Accuracy and SHARP broadheads !!!!!!!

[Vinyari]

No, I'm not asking which arrow, I'm asking about arrow weight, considering i'm shooting 45#, rule of thumb for general shooting,even animals like deer or bear, 10gr/lb of draw weight, but it's different for bigger animals like Elk of moose so that's why i'm asking.

[swampthing]

I would recommend a heavier bow and arrow.

[Vinyari]

sry the heavier bow isn't an option, I can't afford to go buy another bow. but thanks for the suggestion anyway.

[George D. Stout]

Vinyari, you are fine with what you have as long as those arrows are flying perfectly.  You can shoot through a car door with a 45 pound bow and 480 grain arrow.  That's a fact that I can relate to 8^)....it was a junk car.  Contact Ron LaClair about that arrow weight and what it will do.  Sharp broadheads and perfect arrow flight will trump weight any day.

[overbo]

Get your arro weight closer to 500grs is my suggestion

[buckeye_hunter]

I shot through a steel door in my garage once with a 425 grain arrow out of a 47lb longbow.

     
-Charlie

[Vinyari]

thanks for the relpies guys

[TonyW]

Now I know why elk stay out of cars.

[Lost Creek Bows]

I would say that the 450 grain arrow is perfect for the bows draw weight. I love 10 grains per lb out of my bows. The speed you will gain with the little bit lighter arrow will make up for some of the difference in penetration. Be sure to take lots of pictures and be sure to send me one.. Good luck on the hunt and shoot straight.Chad

[elktalker]

Check to see if 45# is a legal weight in the state your hunting. I know in Oregon minimum weight is 50# for elk. Have a great time, but I know you will, elk hunting is great!

[gsdmikko]

If you want to add some more weight you can put weight tubes in your arrows..or many other objects..( rope / trimmer line / ect... )..good luck on your hunt.  

[Vinyari]

Elktalker, here are the regulations for hunting big game in Alberta, My bow and arrows are fine.

Persons hunting big game must use an authorized bow and an authorized arrow. An authorized bow is one that is held, drawn and released by muscular power and has a draw weight of not less than 18 kg (40 lb.). This is the number of kilograms (pounds) required to draw an arrow of 71 cm (28 in.) to its head. An authorized arrow is one that is not less than 61 cm (24 in.) in length that has a tip that bears a head that is not intentionally designed to resist being withdrawn after it has penetrated an object. Furthermore, it must either have a solid, sharp cutting head of at least 7/8 inch in width, or a head that, when the arrow impacts, opens to present sharp cutting edges at least 7/8 inch in width.

Chad, your reply means alot to me, seeing as I am shooting one of your bows and you know them better than anyone,

As a side note, my wife sure is looking forward to getting her new bow from you, the left handed ladies bow for gitrdone.

Well I am going to try some heavier arrows to see how they work, and if that doesn't work, I'm goona try my present setup.

thanks for all the replies guys
Randy

[Paul WA]

You should be ok just make sure your BH's are scary sharp them elk have some thick hides...PR

[tradwannabe]

I am hunting moose in 2 weeks with my longbow (high RD) that is 60# at my draw with full length arrows that are 775grains total with grizzly el grande broadheads-ashby modified. I like the weight wich knocks the sound down. Wicked speed is not that important to me but i practice with that weight only. I wouldn't change the weight of my arrows for hunting unless i have 2 months of practice before hand.
 I would want my arrows to be 650grains total, or over, for elk or moose (the ashby determined weight threshold) and a bow that can deliver such arrow.
that's just me, i know many others hunt with much lighter arrows succesfully. Moose and big Elk are just that-BIG. Deer just don't compare.
I would guess that 450 grains with a perfect arrow set up and razor sharp 2-blade broadhead-single bevel will be fine as long as you make a perfect shot-full broadside or quartering away with a heart shot or as close to it.
imho
Rob

[larryh]

10 grains per pound of draw weight is NOT a light set-up.
i've killed a lot of elk and really don't find them hard to penetrate.they also have an enormous kill area.
your gear will do the job fine, especially on a cow.