Trad Gang

Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: plentycoupe on November 10, 2019, 08:03:13 AM

Title: @ 44lbs what arrow weight would you shoot for??
Post by: plentycoupe on November 10, 2019, 08:03:13 AM
Hey all,
I'm working on building an arrow for my 44lbs Stalker longbow. 44lbs@28 64" bow and I draw about 28.5. 14 strand BCYX.
I'm asking what would you use with those specs to hunt up to elk size game and shoot 3D. Mostly deer but elk every now and then.
I'm looking at carbon arrows.
Thanks in advance.

Title: Re: @ 44lbs what arrow weight would you shoot for??
Post by: smokin joe on November 10, 2019, 09:09:39 AM
Your bow specifications are very close to mine, and I have worked up 500 grain arrows that I like. I use Gold Tip velocity 500 shafts with 75 grain brass inserts and 190 grain broad heads. This makes an arrow that flies like a laser beam. With the high FOC this combo produces I can add a good bit of weight up front (like going with a 100 grain or 125 grain insert) and the arrows still fly perfectly. That's one of the advantages to high FOC arrows.
Title: Re: @ 44lbs what arrow weight would you shoot for??
Post by: GCook on November 10, 2019, 09:11:18 AM
For me a median weight of 418 grains imo.  Like an arrow in the 9 to 9.5 gpp range.  If I were going to hunt bigger and hardier critters I'd probably step to 10 to 11 gpp.

Sent from my SM-G892A using Tapatalk

Title: Re: @ 44lbs what arrow weight would you shoot for??
Post by: Petrichor on November 10, 2019, 09:12:42 AM
9 to 10 grains per pound of draw is where I like to be.
Title: Re: @ 44lbs what arrow weight would you shoot for??
Post by: Steve Clandinin on November 10, 2019, 12:06:22 PM
If your going for elk, they are big tough critters.Smokin Joes info to me is right on.I'm more of a aluminum, wood guy .1916's with footings (2114's work perfect) with 160-175 points up front or Surewood 50-55 Douglas firs with 160 or so up front would give around 510 to 520 gr. Total weight, would be great for bigger critters.Just some more options for ya.
Title: Re: @ 44lbs what arrow weight would you shoot for??
Post by: Petrichor on November 10, 2019, 12:08:56 PM
Quote from: Steve Clandinin on November 10, 2019, 12:06:22 PM
If your going for elk, they are big tough critters.Smokin Joes info to me is right on.I'm more of a aluminum, wood guy .1916's with footings (2114's work perfect) with 160-175 points up front or Surewood 50-55 Douglas firs with 160 or so up front would give around 510 to 520 gr. Total weight, would be great for bigger critters.Just some more options for ya.

I shoot spruce 55/60 for a 52 lbs with 160 up front or 60/65 with 190 up front for same bow. I like this suggestion that Steve gave.
Title: Re: @ 44lbs what arrow weight would you shoot for??
Post by: wingnut on November 10, 2019, 12:58:43 PM
I shoot 10-11 gpp on all my rigs.  Still get good cast but hit with a thud.

Mike
Title: Re: @ 44lbs what arrow weight would you shoot for??
Post by: mahantango on November 10, 2019, 01:24:46 PM
600 for up to 50# for me.
Title: Re: @ 44lbs what arrow weight would you shoot for??
Post by: trad_bowhunter1965 on November 10, 2019, 01:41:26 PM
My set up is 62"46@27.5 Yellowstone Halfbreed the arrow is 545gr Surewood shaft 60/65 160gr Grizzly upfront shoots through the chronograph 150FPS, 600gr arrow 142FPS I have no doubt it will kill elk if I do my part pick a spot and make sure my Grizzly are scary sharp. Just my 2 cents
Title: Re: @ 44lbs what arrow weight would you shoot for??
Post by: mahantango on November 10, 2019, 01:44:59 PM
OP is looking for carbon suggestions?
Title: Re: @ 44lbs what arrow weight would you shoot for??
Post by: Phillip Fields on November 10, 2019, 01:53:16 PM
My setup is a Black Widow PL longbow, 44# at my 28" draw. I'm currently shooting Gold Tip Trads, that weight 523 grains (11.9 gpi). If my chrono is right I'm getting 154fps. I've thought about going to a lighter arrow to flatten out my trajectory a bit. Any recommendations as to a good arrow setup to accomplish this?
Title: Re: @ 44lbs what arrow weight would you shoot for??
Post by: McDave on November 10, 2019, 02:37:26 PM
Quote from: Phillip Fields on November 10, 2019, 01:53:16 PM
My setup is a Black Widow PL longbow, 44# at my 28" draw. I'm currently shooting Gold Tip Trads, that weight 523 grains (11.9 gpi). If my chrono is right I'm getting 154fps. I've thought about going to a lighter arrow to flatten out my trajectory a bit. Any recommendations as to a good arrow setup to accomplish this?

By switching from GT Trads to GT Ultralight in the same spine, you will reduce overall arrow weight by about 80 grains, which of course will increase your arrow velocity and flatten the trajectory some.  You can keep the same point weight, which will increase FOC.  Because of the increased FOC, arrow penetration should not decrease much, if at all, while overall performance will increase.
Title: Re: @ 44lbs what arrow weight would you shoot for??
Post by: Possum Head on November 10, 2019, 08:13:30 PM
Quote from: wingnut on November 10, 2019, 12:58:43 PM
I shoot 10-11 gpp on all my rigs.  Still get good cast but hit with a thud.

Mike
Yep
Title: Re: @ 44lbs what arrow weight would you shoot for??
Post by: BRONZ on November 10, 2019, 08:22:30 PM
10-12 gr/lb

I shoot 46 at 28". Arrow weight is right at 500.  225 up front-- EFOC gives me confidence on big game.
Title: Re: @ 44lbs what arrow weight would you shoot for??
Post by: Hudson on November 11, 2019, 04:45:33 PM
I'm shooting an ILF longbow that's 45 @ 28 & using 568 grain arrows.  200 grain Cutthroat up front.  They fly true & hit with a pleasant thud.
Title: Re: @ 44lbs what arrow weight would you shoot for??
Post by: the rifleman on November 11, 2019, 06:45:41 PM
My Pika which is 44#@27" shoots a 374 grain arrow 160 fps at my 27" draw.  I can tell you that it is plenty of weight for our big whitetail.

Ive no experience w elk, so defer to others.
Title: Re: @ 44lbs what arrow weight would you shoot for??
Post by: Friend on November 11, 2019, 11:15:02 PM
May consider a BE Carnivore 400...50 gn insert....250 gn point...~27% EFOC...~520 gn total
Title: Re: @ 44lbs what arrow weight would you shoot for??
Post by: trad_bowhunter1965 on November 12, 2019, 05:21:51 PM
Try this out hope it will put your mind at ease the hunter name is Corey
https://youtu.be/5QGwfvXDoAg
Title: Re: @ 44lbs what arrow weight would you shoot for??
Post by: LC on November 12, 2019, 06:08:37 PM
Great video. It's all about accuracy AND a well flying arrow!
Title: Re: @ 44lbs what arrow weight would you shoot for??
Post by: Friend on November 12, 2019, 07:44:04 PM
Would ascertain that if it is all about accuracy and a well flying arrow, then the vast majority of us would fall miserably short.
Title: Re: @ 44lbs what arrow weight would you shoot for??
Post by: Doug Treat on November 13, 2019, 01:34:09 AM
I shoot 40# and I like 600+ gr. arrows for elk. I've taken 6 elk with light weight bows, heavy arrows and 2 blade BHs. The last I chronoed my setup, it was shooting a 650 gr arrow at 140 FPS.  In my experience, it's not the weight of the bow but the weight of the arrow that gives you reliable penetration on elk.
Title: Re: @ 44lbs what arrow weight would you shoot for??
Post by: Dave Bulla on November 13, 2019, 05:53:52 AM
Wow.... I've been basically gone from trad for close to ten years and things have sure changed!  Back then, most guys wanted at least 50 pounds for deer and more for elk.  55 was probably the most popular all around weight but just about everyone who could shoot 60+ did so when stepping up to elk and moose size game.  Of course, carbon arrows with the high FOC was a pretty new thing but it was definitely something guys where experimenting with.  Aquarium tubing, pepper, weed eater line etc had all been used for fillers to add weight.  They had also discovered the concept of extreme FOC but again, the bow weights were never down in the 40's unless the person had some sort of injury or age issue. I'm honestly kinda shocked about so many guys now shooting bows in the low 40's for game the size of elk.  What's behind the change?
Title: Re: @ 44lbs what arrow weight would you shoot for??
Post by: lt-m-grow on November 13, 2019, 11:44:03 AM
Quote from: Dave Bulla on November 13, 2019, 05:53:52 AM
Wow.... I've been basically gone from trad for close to ten years and things have sure changed!  Back then, most guys wanted at least 50 pounds for deer and more for elk.  55 was probably the most popular all around weight but just about everyone who could shoot 60+ did so when stepping up to elk and moose size game.  Of course, carbon arrows with the high FOC was a pretty new thing but it was definitely something guys where experimenting with.  Aquarium tubing, pepper, weed eater line etc had all been used for fillers to add weight.  They had also discovered the concept of extreme FOC but again, the bow weights were never down in the 40's unless the person had some sort of injury or age issue. I'm honestly kinda shocked about so many guys now shooting bows in the low 40's for game the size of elk.  What's behind the change?

Old age.

I would never tell somebody what poundage to shoot, but I still believe this is the appropriate answer for me "55 was probably the most popular all around weight but just about everyone who could shoot 60+ did so when stepping up to elk and moose size game. " especially for moose.
Title: Re: @ 44lbs what arrow weight would you shoot for??
Post by: Doug Treat on November 13, 2019, 12:58:36 PM
I remember the 80s/90s where you couldn't kill an elk if you weren't shooting 60# or more. That's because back then nobody was talking about the arrow. My experience has told me that if you work on the arrow (BH, arrow flight, EFOC, enough weight, COC, Singe bevel, etc, etc) you can almost use any bow to get the arrow there. For deer, use any old arrow but if you want to bump up to the "occasional" elk, look seriously at you arrow and be ok with how slow it's going.
Title: Re: @ 44lbs what arrow weight would you shoot for??
Post by: The-Crow on November 13, 2019, 07:50:38 PM
I have a sweet old Bear Grizzly that I would like to use, 47@28 I'm a 27.25 draw so about 44lbs fo me, this is great information, curious if you were going to build an arrow for 44lbs what arrow, spine, broadhead and insert you would go with to achieve your recommended gpp
If this is to much of a highjack I apologize and will start a new thread
Ryan
Title: Re: @ 44lbs what arrow weight would you shoot for??
Post by: Steve Clandinin on November 13, 2019, 08:07:46 PM
Hey Crow,don't think your highjacking at all. Start out at the beginning of this thread and you,ll see there's lots of good info on basically what you will be shooting. As you know there's tons of options on everything with arrows ,points and fletching. The fun thing is for you to find out what you like best.
Title: Re: @ 44lbs what arrow weight would you shoot for??
Post by: plentycoupe on November 13, 2019, 10:50:27 PM
So here is what I got to bareshaft real well and now fletched up they fly so nice.
An Easton axis traditional 500 5mm at 30". 200 grain point with the standard insert, 9" cap rap and 3 5 inch feathers. 513grns total.
Now I need to find a broadhead. Recommendations?
Title: Re: @ 44lbs what arrow weight would you shoot for??
Post by: plentycoupe on November 13, 2019, 10:51:04 PM
Quote from: The-Crow on November 13, 2019, 07:50:38 PM
I have a sweet old Bear Grizzly that I would like to use, 47@28 I'm a 27.25 draw so about 44lbs fo me, this is great information, curious if you were going to build an arrow for 44lbs what arrow, spine, broadhead and insert you would go with to achieve your recommended gpp
If this is to much of a highjack I apologize and will start a new thread
Ryan

Not hijacking at all brother.
Title: Re: @ 44lbs what arrow weight would you shoot for??
Post by: plentycoupe on November 13, 2019, 10:52:50 PM
Quote from: Dave Bulla on November 13, 2019, 05:53:52 AM
Wow.... I've been basically gone from trad for close to ten years and things have sure changed!  Back then, most guys wanted at least 50 pounds for deer and more for elk.  55 was probably the most popular all around weight but just about everyone who could shoot 60+ did so when stepping up to elk and moose size game.  Of course, carbon arrows with the high FOC was a pretty new thing but it was definitely something guys where experimenting with.  Aquarium tubing, pepper, weed eater line etc had all been used for fillers to add weight.  They had also discovered the concept of extreme FOC but again, the bow weights were never down in the 40's unless the person had some sort of injury or age issue. I'm honestly kinda shocked about so many guys now shooting bows in the low 40's for game the size of elk.  What's behind the change?
I still shoot 50-52 pound limbs as well but kike others have said. With the right arrow the heavy weight isn't needed. I'm shooting lighter right now as with a slight injury to my shoulder this still keeps me shooting!
Title: Re: @ 44lbs what arrow weight would you shoot for??
Post by: 96ssportsp on November 16, 2019, 02:21:44 PM
Quote from: trad_bowhunter1965 on November 12, 2019, 05:21:51 PM
Try this out hope it will put your mind at ease the hunter name is Corey
https://youtu.be/5QGwfvXDoAg

Rant on........:(

Why in the H**l would you leave a bull lay overnight that you just placed a perfect shot on, and watched go down???? This kind of stuff drives me crazy!!! I like eating elk to well to let it spoil.....Scott Nevil. :)

To the original question........let the bow decide your arrow weight.
Title: Re: @ 44lbs what arrow weight would you shoot for??
Post by: plentycoupe on November 16, 2019, 03:22:38 PM
Quote from: 96ssportsp on November 16, 2019, 02:21:44 PM
Quote from: trad_bowhunter1965 on November 12, 2019, 05:21:51 PM
Try this out hope it will put your mind at ease the hunter name is Corey
https://youtu.be/5QGwfvXDoAg

Rant on........:(

Why in the H**l would you leave a bull lay overnight that you just placed a perfect shot on, and watched go down???? This kind of stuff drives me crazy!!! I like eating elk to well to let it spoil.....Scott Nevil. :)

To the original question........let the bow decide your arrow weight.

What do you mean let the bow decide the arrow weight? I don't understand the approach but it sounds logical!
Title: Re: @ 44lbs what arrow weight would you shoot for??
Post by: GCook on November 16, 2019, 04:03:55 PM
A bow can shoot a variety of arrow weight and spines accurately.  Determining which one gives you an acceptable sound, felt shock/vibration, trajectory and penetration characteristics is something different for each bow and archer.

Sent from my SM-G892A using Tapatalk

Title: Re: @ 44lbs what arrow weight would you shoot for??
Post by: The-Crow on November 16, 2019, 07:19:33 PM
Quote from: plentycoupe on November 13, 2019, 10:50:27 PM
So here is what I got to bareshaft real well and now fletched up they fly so nice.
An Easton axis traditional 500 5mm at 30". 200 grain point with the standard insert, 9" cap rap and 3 5 inch feathers. 513grns total.
Now I need to find a broadhead. Recommendations?

A hair over 500 seems like a good weight for a hunting arrow, would you add a 50 grain insert and shoot a 150 grain head, seems like there are a lot of 150grain broadheads to choose from
Title: Re: @ 44lbs what arrow weight would you shoot for??
Post by: The-Crow on November 16, 2019, 07:29:01 PM
It's hard for me to try stuff out here in Nova Scotia. I have to order in whatever I want to try or do, gets to be expensive I only know 2 other Trad guys within an hour of me and we're all in the same boat.
I read, research, then order from 3 rivers then shipping and exchange on the US dollar is terrible here in Canada right now. So whatever I can soak out of you guys is great help.
I had an arrow that worked out to just over 600 grains but it's slow with terrible trajectory, 500 seems better for speed. I want to shoot out to 20 yards without to much loft.
Title: Re: @ 44lbs what arrow weight would you shoot for??
Post by: Wudstix on November 16, 2019, 07:50:33 PM
Personally, I'd look at 10 gpp weight
Title: Re: @ 44lbs what arrow weight would you shoot for??
Post by: The-Crow on November 16, 2019, 07:57:07 PM
Quote from: Wudstix on November 16, 2019, 07:50:33 PM
Personally, I'd look at 10 gpp weight
So a 440 grain arrow? Is that sufficient for shooting whitetails? We get some big deer up here,,, shooting light stresses me out  :biglaugh:
Title: Re: @ 44lbs what arrow weight would you shoot for??
Post by: Puma Tom on November 16, 2019, 08:13:05 PM
If you're arrows are flying good 440 is probably enough
I seem to get better penetration with arrows around 550 grains
But with around 50lb bow to
Title: Re: @ 44lbs what arrow weight would you shoot for??
Post by: GCook on November 16, 2019, 09:51:50 PM
Quote from: The-Crow on November 16, 2019, 07:57:07 PM
Quote from: Wudstix on November 16, 2019, 07:50:33 PM
Personally, I'd look at 10 gpp weight
So a 440 grain arrow? Is that sufficient for shooting whitetails? We get some big deer up here,,, shooting light stresses me out  :biglaugh:
I shoot through whitetail and pigs with 9.2gpp so yes, 10 is plenty.

Sent from my SM-G892A using Tapatalk

Title: Re: @ 44lbs what arrow weight would you shoot for??
Post by: MnFn on November 17, 2019, 09:23:28 PM
Hi Jason,
Double bevel, I like the no longer made Stos, I don't know about single bevel.
I have some cutthroats that people seem to like, but I have not killed anything with them yet.
Gary
Title: Re: @ 44lbs what arrow weight would you shoot for??
Post by: the rifleman on November 19, 2019, 04:13:24 PM
As i said earlier, ive used less than 400 grs at 44# and under w great penetration results--- ribcage whitetails.  At my 27" draw i have no illusions of getting through the shoulder w the bows o shoot.

I did want to add a mid season update--- i have switched to a 516 grain arrow for the sole reason is that it gives me a 17 yard point on, making my aiming under stress a bit simpler.  No messing w crawls or higher anchor points.  I won't shoot past 20 in our tight woods so the set up should be perfect.
Title: Re: @ 44lbs what arrow weight would you shoot for??
Post by: Phillip Fields on November 23, 2019, 03:40:51 PM
Quote from: Phillip Fields on November 10, 2019, 01:53:16 PM
My setup is a Black Widow PL longbow, 44# at my 28" draw. I'm currently shooting Gold Tip Trads, that weight 523 grains (11.9 gpi). If my chrono is right I'm getting 154fps. I've thought about going to a lighter arrow to flatten out my trajectory a bit. Any recommendations as to a good arrow setup to accomplish this?

Got the new arrows set up and tuned to the bow. GT Velocity, 500 spine, 30.5", 3x4" feathers, reflective wrap, 205 grain Simmons Safari Broadhead. Arrow weight 448 gr (gpp 10.2), foc 20.2%. I should be used to them by the time I go on a pig hunt in February.
Title: Re: @ 44lbs what arrow weight would you shoot for??
Post by: Jason W on November 25, 2019, 12:07:38 PM
I shoot for 12-13 gpp on all my set ups.
Title: Re: @ 44lbs what arrow weight would you shoot for??
Post by: UrsusNil on November 30, 2019, 09:58:50 AM
I'm shooting 520-ish grain arrows from a 42# longbow. Cedar with 160 grain Ace broadhead. Flies well, just need to try it out on a deer.
Title: Re: @ 44lbs what arrow weight would you shoot for??
Post by: Sam McMichael on November 30, 2019, 10:15:37 PM
Back in the 1990's when I really got back into bowhunting at a serious level, I didn't know or care about FOC at all. I had no idea what my arrows weighed. I tuned for good arrow flight, and that was as specific as I got. Now most people are much more meticulous in their tuning. Most of my arrows run between 9 to 10 grains per pound, which seems to work well for me. Still, if it flies good, I quit tuning.
Title: Re: @ 44lbs what arrow weight would you shoot for??
Post by: Gerald Denley on December 01, 2019, 01:34:31 AM
I use 9-10 gpp ( no more) on all of my bows, no matter what the draw weight.

Plenty of energy for penetration and a predictable flat trajectory out to 30 metres without a lot of correction.

So I would use a 420-440 arrow for your bow...
Title: Re: @ 44lbs what arrow weight would you shoot for??
Post by: Wudstix on December 01, 2019, 01:45:13 PM
As stated above 10 gpp is good, but I usually end up with 11-12 gpp with my bows and tapered Maple shafts and at least 160 grain BH.  Have no problem shooting through anything in front of me. 
:campfire:
Title: Re: @ 44lbs what arrow weight would you shoot for??
Post by: Jon Stewart on December 01, 2019, 09:58:36 PM
1916
Title: Re: @ 44lbs what arrow weight would you shoot for??
Post by: elk nailer on December 03, 2019, 06:01:25 PM
shooting a 45# Caribow 3 pc recurve, my arrows weight in at 597 gr including a 125 broadhead.