All Purpose Hunting Arrow

[MattB]

What would keep you from having a heavier arrow with a higher FOC? Run a strong enough spine and add weight up front? ((I am asking this question, not trying to be a wise guy. I've spoke with several local shops, and the answer they give is usually "you don't need that", but I think it pertains more to selling items they have in stock)

The issue is that you will end up with an arrow that is a lot heavier than most guys want to run, so you give something up in the trajectory department. As an example, the GT Kinetic .200 spine arrow is 11.6 gpi. At 28" with standard components, you would need an ~180 gr. BH to achieve FOC of 15%, which results in an all-in arrow weight of ~560 grs. Based on what I have seen anecdotally, most guys aim for a finished arrow weight in the 400-450 gr. range.

I think both ChadS and the guys at your local shops are giving you sound advice about not trying to build an arrow around high FOC - you absolutely don't need that. IMO most guys are pursuing high FOC arrows to combat a problem with penetration that they don't actually have - and some are creating problems they didn't previously have by using light and relatively fragile shafts to get a high FOC arrow with a finished weight in the range I referenced above.

Just to give you some context, the high FOC concept comes from Ashby's work (Natal Study & updates), and he shoots a 750+ grain arrow in order to get the shaft durability plus the high EFOC that he desires (as an aside, he also shoots a long bow, which are inefficient with lower grains/#draw weight arrows). That simply isn't necessary for North American game.

 

[Screamrider]

A few months ago after playing with the OT2 software and talking to Jerry at south shore archery, I went with your option 1 exactly. Only difference is I have a 29.5 draw and 68 lb DW, and I cut them to 29.5. FWIW, Jerry convinced me to go with the Velocity XT over the Hunter, then add the 20 grain insert weight. My finished arrows are 412 grains with a 100 grain head, and I can just use a 125 head to get up to 437 grains. That works for me for a solid all purpose arrow.

 

[Liosis]

A few months ago after playing with the OT2 software and talking to Jerry at south shore archery, I went with your option 1 exactly. Only difference is I have a 29.5 draw and 68 lb DW, and I cut them to 29.5. FWIW, Jerry convinced me to go with the Velocity XT over the Hunter, then add the 20 grain insert weight. My finished arrows are 412 grains with a 100 grain head, and I can just use a 125 head to get up to 437 grains. That works for me for a solid all purpose arrow.

That's what I'm thinking I'll do...sounds like a good compromise between heavy and fast to me with a few options that can easily be changed as well.

 

[ltlacorn]

Liosis, take a good look at the small diameter shaft arrows like the Black Eagle Deep Impact or the Bloodsport Ones. The small diameter shafts actually weigh more than the standard shaft so you don't have to add a extra insert weight. They actually perform better long range and pack one heck of a wallop. I'll have to double check my weights with a 100 gr tip is right around 415gr. In our testing we had better penetration and flight with the small diameter shafts. If you'd like I could run some #s for you. I am 28.5" DL and shoot either 65 or 70#. Shoot me a PM if you have any questions.

 

[Liosis]

Liosis, take a good look at the small diameter shaft arrows like the Black Eagle Deep Impact or the Bloodsport Ones. The small diameter shafts actually weigh more than the standard shaft so you don't have to add a extra insert weight. They actually perform better long range and pack one heck of a wallop. I'll have to double check my weights with a 100 gr tip is right around 415gr. In our testing we had better penetration and flight with the small diameter shafts. If you'd like I could run some #s for you. I am 28.5" DL and shoot either 65 or 70#. Shoot me a PM if you have any questions.

Thanks ltlacorn, I'll take it under consideration, but the Deep Impacts are 11 gpi for 300 spine...no way that arrow is going to have a finished weight of 415, that's the weight of just the shaft and 100 gr BH.

 

[ltlacorn]

Thanks ltlacorn, I'll take it under consideration, but the Deep Impacts are 11 gpi for 300 spine...no way that arrow is going to have a finished weight of 415, that's the weight of just the shaft and 100 gr BH.

I'm shooting 350s. I will weigh one of my arrows later and let you know what it comes in at.

 

[ltlacorn]

Thanks ltlacorn, I'll take it under consideration, but the Deep Impacts are 11 gpi for 300 spine...no way that arrow is going to have a finished weight of 415, that's the weight of just the shaft and 100 gr BH.

Liosis, you are absolutely right. Mine come in a 445gr. My old harvest time arrows with the aluminum insert came in 419. I wasn't a fan of the aluminum insert at all. They would bent after a couple shots.

 

[StrutNut]

I have the same 65 lb 28.5 inch arrows and went a different route with no regrets. I went with the easton Axis camo arrow to get a little heavier. It quieted my bow down, it has less wind drift in cross winds and penetrates really well. I would without hesitation use this set up from antelope to moose. I wont be buying another shaft for a while.