Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Bowhunting Recurves - does one give up much range - or trajectory w/40-50#

Just wondering how much more drop or decreased range (if any) on say deer, would a 45-50# Recurve give, than say a like 55# model?

Thanks.

That's a loaded question. Some bows just perform better than others. Limb design and string material plays into the equation along with arrow weight. ACS longbows were the top performer a couple of years ago. 21st Century Longbows have had the best cast out of the bows I've shot and hunted and there has been a bunch of them. So the real answer is it depends.

Assuming you are assuming all things are equal (arrow weight, draw length, etc.), even bows of the same "weight" but different makes or brands can differ in velocity. I.e., a 50# bow of one make may throw an arrow faster than a 55# bow of another make.

To get to the core of the question, don't over-bow yourself. It doesn't take a heavy bow to kill deer. It takes a lot of practice, consistent technique, and a sharp broad head through the lungs/heart.

A #45 Black Widow shoots about as fast as most #55 recurves. Not many can handle a #55 bow.

I disagree with both. Widows aren't really all that fast (I've owned at least 6 of them) and 55# is a reasonable weight for most who will put in the time and practice.

Alot of time and practice, for a 55

Tradbows are about both. It's not about instant gratification.

There's a reason you have to shoot #55 spined arrows in #45 Black Widows.

Nothing causes more folks to give up on traditional equipment than the macho thinking that they need a #50+ bow. Not many can handle a #45 without weeks of work.

My ? was looking at if one were comparing 'like brand/draw/etc.

I have no desire to shoot heavier than a 55, not anytime soon, and have shot them in Recurve and Longbow, but wonder how much I would give up in 'usable trajectory' if any on deer, and realize cutting/slicing thru a deer is not a big feat for a sharp head.

Thanks for replies, current/future.

The fact is the amount of center shot Widow uses and spine charts made before Fast Flight strings, Silvertip, Hummingbird, Bighorn, Morrison, Robertson, Brackenberry, Assenhiemer all use the same heavier spine.

ACS or 21st Century even Martin Hunters and several others will smoke them. BTDT more than once. Widow benefited from Ken Becks marketing more than performance. Ken himself said over 10 years ago $200 per bow was to pay for advertising.

As far as macho give it a rest. I've shot sticks seriously for over 20 years now and 60# is where I settled for most hunting. I shoot daily 9 months a year and staying conditioned is no trick. Traditional bows take a lot of effort, if somebody isn't willing to put in the effort they need to stick with a compound.

I don't know quite how to answer your question but will try. The proper arrow from a 45-50# bow, just like the bullet from a rifle, will kill much further than almost all operators can accurately place it. If you would practice with a 50# bow at ranges up to 40 yds. religiously for several hours a day throughout a year, you probably could kill dear consistently and effectively at that range even though another bow may shoot flatter. That doesn't matter; you are shooting instinctively, learning eye-hand coordination and muscle memory as it relates to that bow's shooting characteristics much like a pitcher throwing a baseball within the capabilities of his arm--a guy who throws with less velocity may throw more strikes than another guy with a blazing fastball.
Think "short range" with traditional equipment. Short.

Summary: Proper equipment, tuned, and matched assumed.
Practice, practice, practice, formal, and informal, and more.
To become a good trad archer you must be very motivated
and being over bowed will kill motivation every time.
Among your recreational priorities, it must be near the top.
For that reason I'll never be VERY good (there are too many
other things I like to do) and set up my stands in anticipation of
shots under 20 yds. At that range, while not point-blank in terms
trajectory, it is close.


Did that help? Other than the format going short I mean?

Thanks all.

My brothers both shot alot of recurves a some Longbows, assembling their own arrows, one became very good instinctively shooting w/o sights, as I did long ago w/a sling shot killing dozens of birds and squirrels.

I agree the light bows are not lacking in penetration/killing power, but no matter what knowing how YOUR bow shoots and hitting w/your gear is what matters, and I'd rather give up 5-10# if need be to get more shooting time in. No doubt, strengthening will happen as one shoots more and open more options if wanted.

Goodnews nailed it. I'll also add if you are going to use lighter weight bows also stick with a 2 blade head like Magnus or Zwickey.

I'll also add one more thing. You can't buy it you have to work for it. A $1000 plus Widow won't make it happen without work.

Simple answer, no. You'll not see a significant difference in trajectory based on a few pounds difference in draw weight.

More detailed answer, Goodnews already gave it! One aspect not really discussed is arrow weight, stick to the 10 grains per pound of draw weight rule and you'll be fine, whatever draw weight you choose. (50lb draw weight=500gr. arrow) Also, get your BH's sharp, as in shaving sharp.

Have fun and practice, practice, practice!

Thanks much all, not an 'Archery Savvy' and lingo guy, but I am with you!

Stick to the lighter end of the draw weight spectrum, you will be happy you did. Deer are not that herd to kill, one does not need an ubermagnum, be it a bow or gun to make clean kills.

Thanks - I don't use magnum guns save a 41 handgun, but only wondered if one might encounter alot more loopy trajectory w/say a 45 vs. 55.

Appreciate the advice.

If you can full stroke and hold a 55 you are more man than most.

I've owned and tested a lot of expensive custom bows. My Widow is much easier to hit with than any of them. Clean fresh oats are expensive. Oats that have already been through the horse usually cost a little less.