Was wondering what the maximum killing range for a 55 pound compound bow would be. I'm shooting a 400 grain arrow with a 125 grain Rage Hypodermic broadhead. My bow speed is about 235 fps. Draw length 31 inches.
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Doesn't anybody shoot fixed blade Muzzy anymore?
Which Rage Hypodermic? Whats the cutting diameter? There's a few different ones.
Also, is 400 grains the bare arrow, or with the 125 grain head on it?
And what are we killing? Elk or Moose would be a different story than deer.
Even with that info, "max range" is largely speculation. However, in general, and especially with mechanicals, the larger the cutting diameter, the lower the penetration. If you make a good shot through the lungs, that setup is likely quite lethal to 50 yards or more, but if you hit a rib or bigger bone at that range, it won't be good. I would probably not shoot past 35 yards and also consider switching to a fixed blade.
Here is a pretty good podcast on building arrows. The guest is known as the ‘Ranch Fairy’ and builds and sings the praises of heavy arrows. Anything under 500 total grains he considers a child’s arrow. Real interesting thing to consider. I haven’t gone off the deep end of heavy arrows but I did up mine to about 450 grains total and will likely try some heavy single bevels next year.
Building Heavy Arrows
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Drayweb, are you saying your overall arrow weight is 400 grains or are you shooting a 400 spine arrow? If it’s the latter, then I would consider that an inadequate set up for big game.
So what’s your plan moving forward
From the little I know you should not be shooting a mechanical broad head as they soak up a shit ton of energy. Fixed blade would probably be better for that set up.
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Also how good can you shoot when the pressure is on