What are your thoughts on heavy arrows 500 gr +?

[Aron Snyder]

I like 500+ at 265-280.

Right now I'm 525 at 278.

 

[tipsntails7]

I'm right around 490 depending on wrap and vanes. Cannot tell you the speed as I have never run them through the chrono but I'd guess 270-280 ish.

 

[cuerro viejo]

I'm right under 400 at 320fts

I have a very high front of center and use micro arrows. No issue with penetration. But I also use two blade small cutting diameter heads.

My Pins are set 30, 40, 50

 

[Matt W.]

I'm a proponent of an arrow that hits heavy and hard, vs just fast. But I do think there's a point of diminishing returns if you go too heavy. I have a few arrows I shoot from various bows that range from 435 gr up to just at 500 gr.

I think there's a time and a place for heavy arrows- Africa namely. You've just got to have a special rig to kill some of those animals. But you're also talking about 80 or 90 or heavier bows. I think with a 70 lb bow (which is mostly what I shoot, along with a couple 80's that I hardly shoot anymore) you've got to look at each arrow, shoot it and compute the ft-lbs of energy. It's hard to just say, "a 600 gr arrow will work, but 700 gr is too heavy..." or whatever. You need to shoot them, get their speed and then plug them into the KE equation and look at ft lbs on paper. Then shoot them and see what they do at distance.

Once that arrow gets beyond a certain weight, it may hit like a freight train at 20 or 30 yards, but your pin spread will be huge and it's energy at 50 yards will be nill and it's trajectory will look more like a rainbow than a ballistic curve. And therein comes the Western factor of hunting...longer distances and unknown ranges. Speed is a good thing and I know a few guys that place little if any importance on it, in favor of heavy ass arrows that "shatter bone." Bone shattering is good...if you can get the arrow to fly 50 yards and still have energy left when it gets there...not to mention if your yardage is a bit off or the animal moves after you range it.

Everything is a compromise and you have to find that balance of speed, KE, FOC, and shootability. I like 500 gr arrows and haven't found the need to go heavier than that, but a lot of guys do. Personal preference and shooting/hunting style.

What arrow are you using here in Alaska? Thanks!

 

[Jacob Chapman]

KE isn't a good measurement, factors speed too heavily into the equation. Lighter arrows lose their speed and momentum at a higher percentage than heavier arrows.

Not saying that cant or wont work because they do MOST of the time.

I like a heavier (500+) arrow. Out of my traditional bow they are 650+ with 20+% foc along with a small diameter shaft and ferrules larger than the shaft- all variables to help in bone busting situations should a shoulder be hit.

Havent worked out an arrow like that for my compound yet but I am going to. Makes my bow quieter and more efficient, less prone to wind drift and the arrows have a huge amount of momentum

 

[Nick Muche]

What arrow are you using here in Alaska? Thanks!

My arrow weighs right at 400 grains (with broadhead) and it will easily kill any animal here in AK. Shot placement is everything. Ideally, I like to be around 430-450, but I don't want to add anything fancy to the arrows I am currently shooting. They fly so good the way it is...

 

[Jtelarkin08]

I shot a pig quartered to me on Friday with my moose setup. Went through the front shoulder and penetrated 22" or so before lodging in its pelvis. Pig ran 10 yards and was done. Was about 120 pounder. Arrow weighs 520 with a gk silver flame