Grim Reaper Broadheads and Easton FMJs

[jmerchant.1]

Anyone have hunting experience with this combo on deer? I’ve been using the 2” whitetail specials for years now which I like a lot with Beman ICS arrows but would like to go to a heavier arrow like the (5mm) FMJ.

Also is the BAR system needed for this combo?

 

[5MilesBack]

I've been using several different 5mm type arrows (.204" ID) pretty much exclusively for the past 15 years, and have never used the BAR's. I shoot an assortment of heads but mostly GR Fatal Steel's and Spitfires as far as mechanicals go. But if it were me, I'd choose the Axis or another 5mm type arrow over the FMJ's. You can adjust insert weight to get them near the FMJ overall weight and have a more durable arrow setup IMO.

 

[AkRyan]

Only downside to the fmj I found was they will get bent if you don't pull from the target perfect every time.

 

[5MilesBack]

Only downside to the fmj I found was they will get bent if you don't pull from the target perfect every time.

Or they get bent even before you pull them.

 

[CB4]

Shot a whitetail at 62 yards with a micro hades 3 blade. Broke the front side leg, severed the all of the coronary arteries on the top of the heart, then went through the backside leg. Arrow is a GT Pierce Platinum 300 weighing 445 grains. Which is very similar GPI as your Bemans.

I would suggest just adding point/insert weight before going with a heavier arrow. My arrow has 179 grains up front. But also your bow setup factors into this a lot.

 

[RC_]

I've been using FMJ's the past two years. I don't use the BAR and have run into issues with mushrooming on the front of the shaft when practicing with broadheads in a foam target, including whitetail specials, so if you do go the FMJ route I would think you would want the BAR. Some guys also use footers/collars to help prevent mushrooming. Pretty sure you could run a collar and standard insert to similar effect as a heavier insert. That said between mushrooming and bending, I've decided to try something new after this season probably BE Rampage. BUT don't let me scare you away if you want to try them. I shot three deer with FMJs last year and all blew right through and the arrow held up. I think they're a decent shaft but too finicky for my taste.

 

[DCT1983]

I’ve used FMJ with 2 blade rages for about 5 years and haven’t had any issues. My full arrow weight is like 465. I’ve had no issues with that setup.

 

[butcherboy]

I use fmj’s and have for a while. I’ve never bent one pulling it out of a target. Guys that do must be getting pretty western with it. Lol I’ve bent some missing targets but I’m used to it since I’m from the old school aluminum arrows day. I’ve broken and shattered more than enough carbon arrows as well.

what I like the most about fmj’s besides the weight is how easy they pull out of a 3d target. The quietness is great and dang they hit hard! I use a 50 gr. Brass HIT insert most of the time and no collar or bar. The other insert I use is the half out.

 

[TSAMP]

Was not impressed with grim reaper on my fmj setup. They sent me a replacement head to be fair but never had any confidence after this. It was around. 7 or 8 years ago. Deer was recovered.

 

[5MilesBack]

I shot a bedded animal last year with a Grim Reaper that went through and hit a rock on the opposite side and ricocheted straight back out the entrance, and the tip wasn't anywhere near that bad. Maybe they changed their metal since then???