Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Bowhunting 40 lb long bow

I just picked up a 40 pound wooden shakespeare bow circa 1517 or there abouts Anyway I started with some really heavy 2317 arrows just because I had them around and because the wooden arrows that came with the bow were mostly warped or had broadheads on them. The arrows didn't seem to penetrate very well and didn't seem to fly right. I went to my local bow shop and picked through the junk arrow bin and found some 2018 arrows to practice with. These seemed to fly much better than the heavier arrows and they penetrate better. I put 3 of them into about 2-4 inches at 12 yards on a bunch of occassions today. I even tried them at 20 yards but I had about 20 inches of drop at that range. The left and right really wasn't that bad though. So is my arrow selection good or should I still go lighter? What grain head should I be shooting on this combo if I plan to shoot some deer with it? What is my maximum range for this old bow? I have some hundred grain thunderheads. Will they be good enough?

Do they have feathers or vanes on them?

Not being familiar with aluminum arrows my first question is what is the spine on 2018's? If it's too heavy I'd order a half dozen Port Orford cedar arrows spined for that weight. The woodies can be straightened.

40 lbs. isn't a very heavy bow so I'm not surprised to hear 20 inches of drop @ 20 yards. Maximum range is dependent on you and your ability. Lots of trad archers, me included, limit our shots to around 20 yards regardless of weight of bow.

It will work on deer but check the legality of it. Each state is different as everyone knows, here in Missouri 45 lbs. is minimum. A 100 gr. broadhead should be adequate if it's scary sharp but I prefer heavier broadheads, 125-140 gr., and to get more FOC weight I have gone to 160's.

Bareshaft tune them. Check out bowmaker.net for more info.

2018 are probably still too stiff depending on point weight and overall length. Assuming 28" draw, 29" arrow, and 125gr tip I'd go with 2016s. If you can keep the arrows long as you can cut them down to stiffen as you tune. If they're too stiff you can always go up in point weight.

Just a guess: go with 175gr tips on the 2018 and see how they fly.

2018 should be fine.

I would go down to 2014 shooting 40 lbs. Can find the Easton gamegetter arrows very cheap these days. Or find some spined cedar shafts. 125 gr heads would work for the FOC

I think most states 45 lbs is the min for archery hunting. I would pass hunting with an older 40 lb long bow for deer. IMO Can chase rabbits and squirrels though

I shoot 2018 with my 58 lb longbow. 125 gr snuffers Fly like darts and great penetration

mmm..my draw length is 29 inches so I would guess that my draw weight is actually between 40 and 45 pounds. I live in pa where it is legal to use a 40 pounder.

Yep, you're at around 43lbs. 35lbs is legal in PA. PM me if you in NW PA and want some help tuning.

1816's about 30" long with 100-125gr points and 3) 4" feathers will get you in the ballpark. Longbows (especially the old ones not cut to center) require a weaker than normal arrow to paradox around the riser.