So what speeds and arrow weights are some of you shooting? I know it's not all about speed, but it does play a factor in sucess. Obviously we all want to chuck 500 grain arrows at over 300 fps, but it just normally feasible. So how much speed do YOU give up for weight? I'm contemplating moving my weight from 400 grains to 450 grains, but playing with a crono I went from 279 fps to 261 fps. I've shot both for a while and honestly, there isn't much difference, just a sight adjustment. Thanks for the thoughts all. And yes, everything is tuned up just fine and all that stuff. Just looking for opinions on minimum fps that you all use as a bottom line.
I'm shooting a 371 grain arrow at 262fps. Kinetic energy: Speed*Speed*Arrow weight / 450240. My KE is 56.5ft/lbs.
I have played with this and played with this and played with this. And it is my humble opinion that it doesn't make much difference at all. But having said that. I'm shooting a 354 grain at 345 FPS. Giving me over 93 foot pounds of kinetic energy.
When I am making an arrow I have finished weight that I look for, not a certain speed. There is certainly a "balance area" for weight and speed when hunting deer but, and this is just my opinion, too much weight would not be detrimental but too much speed can be. Anyway, with all that said I would say that if your arrow weight falls in the 6-7 grains per pound area then it is in a good "balance area". For a 70# bow that is 420-490 grains. That is enough weight to give your arrow a level of forgiveness you may need on the less than perfect shot.
My current set up is 370gr shooting at now 312fps. I plan on using this for 3D and changing to my heavier arrows that are around 400gr with 100gr field points. I am contemplating moving towards a 125gr tip and turning my bow up the rest of the way. I am hoping it stays above the 290fps mark. Not sure that's going to happen but, I can only hope and see what happens.
Thanks guys, Bruce I think you're hitting on it again. I like my arrows at 400 grains, but I've been playing further with increasing the weight and it looks like I can get consistent 450 grains. However that reduces my fps. Is it even safe to shoot at a deer at 40 yards at 262 fps with a 450 grain arrow? Looking at the question, it's obvious I'm a rookie when it comes to bowhunting, I am grateful we have an avenue to ask the more experienced.
I sometimes use a 605 grain arrow at 230 fps and, if I were to have a max range of more than 25 yards, would feel perfectly comfortable shooting deer with that arrow at any range. One important thing to keep in mind is the FOC. Heavier arrows with a crappy FOC (IMO less than 12%) lose some, maybe a lot, of the effectiveness gained by the extra weight. I also believe you increase the effectiveness of any arrow the more you increase the FOC (past 12%).
I need to chrono again. I was getting somewhere between 205 and 215 fps. 378 gr arrow, 40lb draw. It's not what I'd consider ideal but it still brings home plenty of venison. I get maybe 100 fps with my bowfishing bow. But that's 1500 grain arrow out of a ~30lb bow. Still faster than the fish. :D
Im throwing 475 grain FMJs at 295 fps. Thinking of trying a few other combos. That puts me a little over 91 foot pounds of KE. Not to bad...but would love to get a little closer to 100.
Personally I dont really worry about speed. I switched to a heavier arrow this season. Carbon express pile drivers! I toped out at 465 gr and shoot 70 lbs. I have no idea what my speed is but I can tell you its a whole lot faster that what I was shooting in the 80's and 90's and killing Deer with those setups as well!
Haha, yeah how did the Indians do it? Well I tried a 461 grain arrow and got 262 out of an xtreme with 28 inch draw. I'm going to add weight. I may start by going to 420 ish.
Loosing 20 fps won't have any effect what so ever on your animals. To be honest, the heavier arrow will make for a quieter bow upon release. So many times the heavier arrow will win out. Bow manufacturers however will never push this kind of thinking. Speed Is the **** these days.
I'm shooting 419gr at 247fps. Seems to work fine for me. 3 out of 5 were pass-thru's last season. I think you will be fine with the new set-up
My thoughts exactly. Something sounds fishy about that. I have a 31.5 inch DL and am pulling 66 lbs. My arrows are 475 grains with the BH. I have no idea what I'm getting out of my Allegiance but it's accurate and puts them down.
