Who hunts with +- 400 grain arrows?

[TimberHunter]

I was going for a 450-475 grain finished arrow weight for antelope, mule and elk hunting this year.

But just for fun I decided to try some Easton bloodline 330 spine arrows I had laying around (402 grains). Sighted them in with field points and slapped on 3 different broadheads (shuttle T, tooth of the arrow, wasp drone) on 3 random arrows. Didn’t bother spin testing them for wobble. Arrows were spine tested/marked either. Bow is my new to me nitrum 34, 28.5”, 65lbs. Bow has a basic paper tune.

To my amazement, they all flew nearly identical to field points at 50 yards! In the past I’ve always had the toughest time getting any fixed heads to fly this well, let alone 3 different ones. But in fairness, it may be this new longer ATA bow with the RX-1 grip on it.

So my question: who has successfully used 400 grain arrows with fixed heads while hunting?


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[Overwire]

400 grain arrows running 305ish fps (which is probably a bit faster than your set-up) have worked fine for me on deer. Blows right through them if placement is good. I haven't shot elk with that set-up but wouldn't be worried about it. I prefer a 450-500gr set-up but wouldn't overthink it too much if you already have something that is shooting well for you. If you go by the theory that momentum drives penetration you are loosing about 6% compared with a 450gr set-up.

 

[MikeG]

I've had no problem with antelope, mulies, or elk with an weight around 416gr.

 

[Tenstrike]

I have shot many whitetails with pass throughs on most. I shot an elk at 20 yards and hit a rib, I was shocked to see about eight inches of arrow and fletching sticking out, it still hit the second lung. That made me think about going a little heavier. That set up was 400 Easton Axis, 100 grain Slick Tricks, total weight was 412.

 

[Arctic Hunter]

Once you see the value of a heavy arrow and potential disaster of a light arrow, you will go through the trouble of tuning a little on the heavier side.

My experience has led me to shoot 440+ and I prefer around 475 with a compound.

 

[TimberHunter]

Once you see the value of a heavy arrow and potential disaster of a light arrow, you will go through the trouble of tuning a little on the heavier side.

My experience has led me to shoot 440+ and I prefer around 475 with a compound.

I’ve considered getting some 330 spine 4mm Easton Injexion, double inserting them and running 100 grain head. That would put me near 455 grains but a less of a broadhead selection because of the deep six threads.

Maybe I’ll order 3 of them from landcaster archery to try out




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[nphunter]

I’ve considered getting some 330 spine 4mm Easton Injexion, double inserting them and running 100 grain head. That would put me near 455 grains but a less of a broadhead selection because of the deep six threads.

Maybe I’ll order 3 of them from landcaster archery to try out




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I have 10 I’d make you a deal on. There 28 1/4” carbon to carbon. I also have a bunch of deep six heads I’m selling. Solids, Trocar, Exodus, Hypodermic and Dead Meat expandables.

The Injexions don’t have double inserts.

 

[nphunter]

I’ve killed my last few bulls with arrows between 400 and 420gr. They have all blown through, the last one i never even found the arrow because it buried so deep in the dead pine needles and dirt. That’s with Soild heads.

 

[Huntin wv]

I used to hunt with 385 gr arrows at 325 FPS. I never really had any performance problems with them. I killed whitetails, mule deer, bear, and an elk. The heavier arrow trend makes a lot of sense to me and I have since switched to a 480 gr arrow. The heavier arrows give me more peace of mind and have performed very well.


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[Thess87]

Axis for me 550 grains

 

[jimmy33]

Full metal jackets at around 550grains


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[longspeak74]

Victory's coming in at around 432 grains

 

[Lawnboi]

I’ve considered getting some 330 spine 4mm Easton Injexion, double inserting them and running 100 grain head. That would put me near 455 grains but a less of a broadhead selection because of the deep six threads.

Maybe I’ll order 3 of them from landcaster archery to try out




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How long are your arrows? Iv got a bunch at 26” double inserts and have gotten away from deep six. I’d be willing to send a few your way if they would work.

 

[TimberHunter]

How long are your arrows? Iv got a bunch at 26” double inserts and have gotten away from deep six. I’d be willing to send a few your way if they would work.

That would be much appreciated! But my draw is 28.5 and I typically shoot 28” arrows. Not sure 26” would work for me..?

How do those double inserted injexions do compared to single inserted injexions?


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[Lawnboi]

That would be much appreciated! But my draw is 28.5 and I typically shoot 28” arrows. Not sure 26” would work for me..?

How do those double inserted injexions do compared to single inserted injexions?


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Probably wouldn’t work.

Great arrows, needed 2 inserts to get my FOC to what I thought was adequate. They ended up around 445g.

Only reason I’m moving on from them is I’m done with deep six, and don’t want to use outserts.

I just built up some axis with brass in them and iron will collars on the end. Have been happy so far with them. Not limited by deep six and still have a skinnier shaft.


If I were to run injections again I would buy some iron will collars for them

 

[TimberHunter]

Spoke too soon... I shot a few of my 300 spine black eagle renegades (475 grains with 100 grain head) and they fly great at 45 yards today. That should be a killer setup with fixed for elk and sever expandable for mule deer


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[TripleJ]

I've killed a lot of elk with arrows in the 400 grain range at 280-290 fps, but heavier never hurts.

 

[Billy Goat]

Several elk with arrows at and under 400 grain. Complete pass through at 65+ yards on several. Buried in the ground. Only elk I haven't had a complete pass-thru on was a head on shot around 30 yards. I have played with going heavier. If I hadn't changed my setup back to a lighter arrow before elk season last year I wouldn't have been able to take the shot I had. Took a bull at 67 yards that all I could see was the vitals. Had to shoot over deadfalls and under branches. It was a shot that I had very little chance of wounding. Couldn't hit shoulder and couldn't hit guts.

I think you are best to shoot the setup you are most comfortable with. If you feel you are more confident in a heavier arrow and are more accurate with it go that route. I have preferred to have speed over weight.

 

[WyoBowhunter21]

I am at 475 grains for all species. I should be going on a moose but this fall and I think I have a nice compromise on speed and weight.

 

[Elk247365]

Several elk with arrows at and under 400 grain. Complete pass through at 65+ yards on several. Buried in the ground. Only elk I haven't had a complete pass-thru on was a head on shot around 30 yards. I have played with going heavier. If I hadn't changed my setup back to a lighter arrow before elk season last year I wouldn't have been able to take the shot I had. Took a bull at 67 yards that all I could see was the vitals. Had to shoot over deadfalls and under branches. It was a shot that I had very little chance of wounding. Couldn't hit shoulder and couldn't hit guts.

I think you are best to shoot the setup you are most comfortable with. If you feel you are more confident in a heavier arrow and are more accurate with it go that route. I have preferred to have speed over weight.

I Like what this guy said about comfortable and confident in.