Bow string material ID?

[Swamp Bow]

I bought some bow string a while back that I assumed was B50, the vendor I bought it from knew what I was using it for.  I just noticed it is labeled B-500.  Since this has been my first foray into bow string making, I don't know.  Also what is the BS of B50 or whatever it is that I have? Thanks.

Swamp

[Hoot]

B-50 is from Brownell and B-500 is from BCY...both are Dacron and essentially the same stuff.

[Swamp Bow]

Thanks Hoot.

I assume the BS of both B-50 and B-500 is 50#?

Swamp

[Dano]

"I assume the BS of both B-50 and B-500 is 50#?"

I can't remember the exact rating but I think it's more like 300# per strand.

[Swamp Bow]

Wow! Does that mean using the 4X draw weight formula you could make a single strand string for anything under a 75# draw?  Not that I would for what I do.

Swamp

[TBod]

I tested that BCY B-500 in a primitive way about 25# BS

[Barrage]

Yeah, I believe the manufacture rates it at 50# breaking strength per strand.  I've never tested it myself, but several people seem to get about half that on single strand break tests.  In a string you'd probably be safe to assume about 35-40 lbs per strand.  I use 10 strand flemish strings on bows pulling 55-60lbs, which would work out to ~25lbs per strand at 4X draw weight - plenty strong!! 

[Swamp Bow]

Thanks everyone.  I really won't be going less than ten strands for anything no matter how light it is.  I expect that would just kill my fingers.

Swamp

[PeteC]

Dang,10 strands? I don't build any string with less than 15 strands.   God Bless

[Dano]

Boy, I was a tad off on those specs , maybe I was thinking of Fast flight. I think 12 strand is recommended for that weight. There is a chart for different weights in this link.
http://www3.sympatico.ca/ragiwarmbear/diy/flemish/flemish.html

[avcase]

I tested B50 between 22# and 24#. I also found that the more modern fast flight type materials test at about half the break strength that is commonly quoted.
Alan