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Arrow setup to break heavy bone

x2. Heavy arrows aren't just about penetration. The first time I shot a deer with a 575g/22foc arrow, I thought I missed it because there wasn't that usual thump noise. The deer thought I missed too and just stood there so I started knocking a second arrow while cursing my new heavy arrows. Deer fell over when I started to draw back and there was my lighted nock sticking out of the ground. And seriously, is there really a need to debate this topic? No one is going to change each other's minds on the internet. Only your own experience will do that.

Sent from up in a tree
Lots to love about heavy arrows.
 
Yeah I’d disagree about the internet not changing minds. The THP/Ranch Fairy podcast will sell more arrows in 2020 than 2019! Those boys have a serious following!


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Unlike other freakishly terrifying cults led by charismatic front men, the heavy arrow movement is a good thing. I think that's what Charlie told me?
 
Everyone’s opinion, perspective and experience is just as relevant to the OP is yours. But I’ve only arrowed 100+ animals in eight states over the past 15 years so what do I know.


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I think the collective knowledge we have on this site, and maybe more importantly the way we are open to sharing our knowledge here benefits us all.
 
All I know is since I went to shooting heavy arrows these SC deer more often than not turn to look at the noise the arrow makes hitting the ground before they run off.
I think a lot of the reaction difference comes down to broadhead selection. Skip to 2:40 in this video, G5 deadmeat broadhead with a 500 grain arrow cat whiskers on the string, about a 12 yard shot. Deer ran 10 steps stopped, wobbled, and dropped. Several of my hunting buddies have gotten very similar reactions with t3's and deadmeats. Think the really swept back blade angle and only 1.5" cut helps.
 
Figured this may be a good place to ask this question. Looking for some advice from other heavy setup guys. Having a simple rest issue and looking for advice. What rest are you using for your heavy arrows? I have been shooting 550gr arrows for a few years with a whisker biscuit with no issues but I bumped up closer to 600 with a little higher FOC and the dang arrow falls down through the whiskers on occasion. I tried putting a little glue on the middle whiskers which worked well for that purpose but makes the whole thing squeal like a wounded rabbit on draw. I have had too many issues with QAD over the years so I wont be going down that road again and I have heard about potential issues with some of the limb driven rests lifting the heavier arrows all the way up. Just want to know what's working for you. Thanks in advance for your suggestions.
 
Why would anyone purposely shoot for the shoulder. I would stay away from the shoulder. I don't know why anyone would do that . Double lung is the way to go. If I wounded several bucks by hitting them in the shoulder I would definitely quit shooting at the shoulder. Thats my thoughts on the subject and I am not going to get in a debate about it. Thank you.
 
Why would anyone purposely shoot for the shoulder. I would stay away from the shoulder. I don't know why anyone would do that . Double lung is the way to go. If I wounded several bucks by hitting them in the shoulder I would definitely quit shooting at the shoulder. Thats my thoughts on the subject and I am not going to get in a debate about it. Thank you.

I have expected to hit the shoulder of a whitetail on several occasions on quartering to shots. I wouldn’t do it with a sub 550gr arrow/270fps. I’d only do it with a cut on contact, thick bladed fix blade head. I wouldn’t do it outside of 20 yards.

lots of reasons why someone would do it. I do it because I’m 100% on recovering deer shot with the above circumstances.

the second, much more likely scenario is a deer moving a few inches upon release, if you’re aiming very tight to the shoulder, which I do. Double lungs is for sure the way to go. Doesn’t preclude heart shots. My favorite angle is a slight quarter away so that my entrance is 2-3” behind elbow, and exit in front of offside shoulder. Best cross section of plumbing and lungs.

There is a good argument to be made for aiming mid body 6” behind the elbow of a deer. It also has tradeoffs. I don’t think it is as cut and dry as you make it out to be though. There’s tradeoffs with aiming tight to the leg bone, as I do.

Edit - my above setup deals with a compound. Obviously going with much heavier arrows and stick bows can work equally as well.
 
A few have alluded to it in this thread but it is not just about the weight of the arrow and the FOC. It is about the sharpness and durability of the broadhead too. High quality steel and a razor sharp edge is an equally important consideration to good penetration.

I have been guilty in the past of taking a head out of the package, screwing it on the arrow and heading to the woods. Now I know better and it would be equally irresponsible to shoot that arrow at 20 yards as it would be to shoot a razor sharp head at a deer at 45 yards when my personal effective range is only 25 yards.
 
Why would anyone purposely shoot for the shoulder. I would stay away from the shoulder. I don't know why anyone would do that . Double lung is the way to go. If I wounded several bucks by hitting them in the shoulder I would definitely quit shooting at the shoulder. Thats my thoughts on the subject and I am not going to get in a debate about it. Thank you.
I don't intentionally aim for shoulder blades, but I've hit them. Over the years, my arrows have also encountered leg bones, ribs, and once I hit a skull. I do practice a lot, and can produce fine groups at the range. But stuff happens. A bad release or slight torque on the bow can do it, a bit of vegetation along the arrow's path or a crosswind can also push an arrow somewhere you didnt intend it to go.

Adult arrows with bone-splitting broadheads are not a substitute for competent shooting, but they can help insure that if your shot isn't perfect, it can still get the job done. For me, that's a worthwhile investment.
 
I’ve noticed that a LOT of people’s arguments about shot placement seem to not understand the anatomy of a WTBD.....

Look at the pictures weldabeast posted above...the “shoulder” is nowhere near the area where the heavy arrow folks are trying to put their arrows. I do the same as @kyler1945 does; straight up the leg then let ‘er rip.
 
I’ve noticed that a LOT of people’s arguments about shot placement seem to not understand the anatomy of a WTBD.....

Look at the pictures weldabeast posted above...the “shoulder” is nowhere near the area where the heavy arrow folks are trying to put their arrows. I do the same as @kyler1945 does; straight up the leg then let ‘er rip.
The thing is that deer dont hold still most of the time. wherever you aim might not be there when the arrow gets there. I like the idea of a plan b arrow that will most likely not be stopped by bone. That doesn't mean i will aim for the shoulder,or the chest for that matter.
 
The thing is that deer dont hold still most of the time. wherever you aim might not be there when the arrow gets there. I like the idea of a plan b arrow that will most likely not be stopped by bone. That doesn't mean i will aim for the shoulder,or the chest for that matter.

We are on the same page, brutha

I killed a doe a few years back that had blown my cover multiple times previously. Once she realized I was there she stopped in a severe quartering to arrangement and in some decent cover. I was NOT going to let her escape so I had already made up my mind to shoot her where she stood. I opted for the shot just inside of her front right shoulder and exiting behind her left.....

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Heavy arrow with a heavy 2 blade cut on contact head. She didn’t stand a chance and died under 40 yards away from massive carnage. I’ll take that every day.
 
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