Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Shooting and Hunting => Topic started by: Lee Lobbestael on August 17, 2012, 08:26:45 am

Title: 411 grains enough weight?
Post by: Lee Lobbestael on August 17, 2012, 08:26:45 am

I'm shooting a 50# self bow(not sure of actual speed) and my cedar shafts are proving to weak in spine for my 160 grain heads. I can't afford new shafts but they tune nice with 125 grain heads. With 125 gr heads my arrow weight is only about 411 grains without feathers. Will this setup have enough kinetic energy for deer?

Title: Re: 411 grains enough weight?
Post by: H Rhodes on August 17, 2012, 09:01:25 am

Heavier arrows gets more penetration, but there have been tons of deer taken with 400 grain arrows.  Get that point sharp enough to shave with and rock on. 

Title: Re: 411 grains enough weight?
Post by: Lee Lobbestael on August 17, 2012, 11:17:32 am

Ok good! Arrow shafts aren't cheap

Title: Re: 411 grains enough weight?
Post by: Pappy on August 17, 2012, 11:29:44 am

I like a little heaver,but good shot placement 2 bladed sharp head ,they will work,killed several deer with 425 grain out of about the same set up. :)
   Pappy

Title: Re: 411 grains enough weight?
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on August 17, 2012, 03:39:49 pm

If possivble you can add another strike plate unto the existing plate to push your shaft from center farther. This will require a softer spine allowing you to add point weight back to your set up. Just a thought. 

Title: Re: 411 grains enough weight?
Post by: dmenzies1950 on August 17, 2012, 06:56:58 pm

Sharp blades is the main thing, but if you build your own arrows why not try some 3/8 in. ramin or oak dowels? They're cheap and you can get them at any hardware store. I like them because they are heavy and they last about 3 or four times longer than cedar.

Title: Re: 411 grains enough weight?
Post by: JW_Halverson on August 17, 2012, 08:26:08 pm

Biggest deer I have taken, to date, was with a 425 grain arrow from a 50 lb bow.  I thought I loved that set of arrows for years until I accidently shot a much heavier arrow thru that bow.  Suddenly I was realizing how much hand shock I was suffering thru needlessly.

So, yeah, you can hunt with those arrows...IF you can get good and consistent shot placement from many positions at moderate ranges.  Save the loose change from your pockets each nite and in no time you will have enough money to pick up another set of shafts. 

Title: Re: 411 grains enough weight?
Post by: Lee Lobbestael on August 18, 2012, 10:10:38 pm

pearl drums, that is a great idea! I never thought about adding a thicker strikeplate. I wil try that tonight

Title: Re: 411 grains enough weight?
Post by: Lee Lobbestael on August 18, 2012, 10:13:26 pm

I also make several shoot arrows a year with trade points but I can't count on getting them to fly perfect so I try to make a set of cedars first as a reliable backup

Title: Re: 411 grains enough weight?
Post by: Little John on August 24, 2012, 01:26:53 am

It does not take much to break a deers rib and penetrate, especially from close range. good luck.