What do you think for North American Big game?

[**DONOTDELETE**]

From the DVD Traditional Harvest IV. Fred said He upped the poundage from 54 to 57 at his draw length for the Grizzly hunt. Mike Palmer made that bow for that Hunt.

[Orion]

Fred Eichler draws around 30 inches or so, which gets a lot more energy out of the bow than 27.5 inches at the same weight.  I believe Fred Bear hunted most of his stuff with a 60# bow.  That being said, you're probably not going to start with moose or grizzlies.  Should have enough time to work into a heavier bow if you want to.

[JamesKerr]

I have no experience with the animals the size of elk, moose or grizzlies. But do yall think with my setup I could punch through near side ribs and make a clean kill.

[YORNOC]

Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Different every time. I hope I never hit a rib at any poundage. No one can tell you that your broadhead WILL break through a rib. It MIGHT, but not definitely. If you are nervous about it, work your way up as much as you can.
I have seen a 50# recurve blow through a bison and skip across the snow on the other side for 50 yards. No bone hit. I have also seen a 64# recurve penetrate only 1/2 way into a small black bear . No bone hit. I've seen 70# hit a deer in the shoulder and fail. I've seen all kinds of good shots end up differently than expected.

Your poundage has been proven by some, and has failed by others. Poundage twice yours has  been proven and failed also.
For big game, shoot as much weight as you can accurately.
 Again, if its 54#, then shoot straight with a sharp head!

[joe ashton]

perfect.  just wait patiently for the right shot angle on calm animals,  hit the soft spot with a very sharp B/H and wait a while before your recovery efforts start.

[jimmerc]

If I were to hunt moose or griz with my 55 lb recurve I would just up my arrow weight to 700 0r even better 800 gns, for deer I use 550 to 600gn arrows

[Charlie Lamb]

Your bow will kill (and probably pass through) any animal on this continent. If penetration becomes a question shoot a broadhead with one less blade.

Simple as that.
   

[Over&Under]

That setup would definatly work IMO...make sure your arrow flight is good and the broadhead is sharp!

[durp]

what charlie said X 2

[bucksbuouy]

I think you might encounter difficulties with bison but other than that you are good to go!

[Chromebuck]

We have all of the big four here in Alaska.  Buffalo, Elk(Roosevelt), Brown bear, Moose.  Would not hesitate shooting any of these animals with a 55# bow and very finely finished BH.  I would stick with a classic 3to1 bh design and pick "the" spot.

   

Keith