I've been using Beeman hunters 400's 28.5"
I have a minimal supply remaining. I usually buy a bulk amount of arrows so that once set up I can forget about the tinkering and just shoot.
All my nocks inserts, target points and lighted nocks fit these. However If I were going to make a change to something else like Gold tips or Maxima's Easton Etc. What are the best options?
I do not compete in 3D anylonger, I have my own 3D course on my farm and I just hunt. Primary hunting is bears pigs and deer. I shoot 125 grainViper Tricks and will not waiver or consider anything else.
My bows are similar, primary go to bow SWBXT 63 lb draw 28.5" Soft cam, easy and smooth draw.
I would like my arrows to stay under 450gr but no less then 400, prefer 425. The question is should I change to a different arrow then I'm using now. I've killed 24 bears with these arrows and had great performance. Probably four that many pigs but never counted them. Is there better options that I'm simply not aware of? I shoot decent groups with these, but I know if I spined them to 350 from the current 400 I might get better flight. It would be adding a slight amount of weight though, no problem. I like the idea of the stiffer shaft for pigs especially.
I have been using a weighted collar 20gr between the broad head and the arrow. to get my flight perfect and increase momentum. I've used these for a couple decades now. I don't even know where to get them anymore. I Likely need to increase arrow weight by about 20 grains. This fits with the consideration from 8.4 GPI to 9.4 GPI with the Spine change.
Bottom line for me: Is this a good time to change from the Beeman Hunters to another brand of high quality, stronger, better constructed arrows. Or is there any shafts that really makes a big difference?
If they have been working for you this long I don't see a reason to change.
I really like the Deep Six Injexion's but they won't work with the Vipers.
I love Vipers and shoot them on both A/C/C's and FMJ's.
Slick Trick was going to come out with a Deep Six head. However all that has change there has stopped that it looks like.
Have you looked at the Hunter Pro? I started with the ICS 400 and just upgraded. Very close to, if not the same performance. Just closer tolerances. Little bit different texture also.
Love em'!
You've got a great track record with your Beeman hunters. I've never used Beeman, but I have used gold tips for 15 or so years and had very good luck with them and never found a reason to change. I've used 5575s until this season, and switched to the 7595 and lost 8 fps according to a chronograph. Slick Tricks and field points fly the same at 297 fps and at 305 fps. A dozen fletched arrows were $76 shipped to my door. I've only killed two deer this season with the 7595/100 grain slick trick set up, but both were complete pass thru shots at 10 & 25 yards. I spent a couple seasons using rocket mechanical broadheads with very few pass through shots and some of the arrows were broken while inside deer, but since I've stated shooting slick tricks, my arrows are recovered in good shape stuck in the ground or laying on the ground depending on the angle I'm hunting from.
One of the reasons I'm questioning this choice is having a beeman arrow explode on release. That freaked me out!
It was probably damaged or worn out. However it still haunts me.
Why not switch to the ICS Hunter 340s if you are looking for a little stiffer arrow shaft and more weight?
Jim, I've been having good luck with Piledrivers. Some say that they aren't straight enough for them, but I only shoot about 290fps and they fly great, penetrate and are really tough. I personally have the added benefit that they are what I shoot in my longbow also, only full length. When I bust 'em up, they get cut to 28.5" for the compound.
I'd give strong consideration to the Black Eagle Zombie Slayer .350 with 42grn brass insert
I'm a fan of the Beman ICS Hunters also. But I have also used ACC and FMJ arrows from Easton. The Easton ACC's are about as good as it gets but cost 2X more than the Bemans. I have found arrows in the 380-400gr range moving along 260-280 fps to shoot very accurately and penetrate elk size animals with ease. Funny thing this season, I had a set of FMJ's all set up but could not get them to group broadheads as well as my cheapo Beman Bowhunters. Same broadheads, same length, same spine - same everything and the cheapos were noticeably better at 40 and 50 yards. My setup ended up shooting 360gr arrows about 290fps and was wicked accurate. Shot through a 5 point bull like he was made of butter.
I too have found 400 grain arrows at 275 will penetrate about as good as you would hope for. Especially with a COC head.
They don't work as well on male hogs with chisel points but they do poke through the exit side most of the time with COC heads
When I shoot 450-470 grain arrows at 230 fps the poke out just about every time on big hogs
On deer bears and elk the 400 grain arrows are good. I hunt with a guy that shoots 480 grain 30" at 290fps. They are massively powerful. He has used these for years. However this year he gun hunted only. He is having some shoulder problem now.
He said "I may have to make some changes in my archery gear, that 75lb draw might be unattainable after my shoulder heals. "
I'm not a fan of FPE measure for killing power. There is a connection though. I would not shoot a 2" expandable under 70fpe
And I think 60fpe is a very solid big game power level.
Below 50-55fpe folks need to be careful in distance and species choices.
JJ have you seen or tried GrizzlyStik arrow's?
I prefer the Gold Tip Hunters for shooting Feral Hogs here at the Ranch. I've only busted one. They are as tough as old leather. I'm using them with SlickTricks. Never cared for the Beemans. I've broken several of those on hogs. Quit using them about 3 years ago.
Jim,
If you like to tinker I would suggest these:
Carbon Tech Arrows I've been using the different Carbon Tech arrows for years. They are true wraped shafts which means no heavy sides. The are tough and pentration is great!
I use the Panthers because I can tune them to my bows with ease. I bare shaft tune, so if you need stiffer arrow, trim the back if you need weaker arrow trim from the front.
The Panthers are weight forward shafts (built in), they are tapered, but the inside is parallel. If you need more point weight you can use brass inserts.
Lighted nock also fit without adapters.
Gold Tip Pro Hunters for me
JJ, I ran Gold Tip pro hunters for several years. They are a good arrow. But for absolute toughness and greater spine consistency I chose Black Eagle. They offer several options in std diameter arrows and their micro diameter arrows are great as well. I run .001 straightness. Weight consistency through a dozen is very good. Better than the GT, CX, and Easton arrows I have used. They are making huge waves in the archery industry. And rightfully so. They are a quality arrow. One of their best kept secrets is their Outlaw arrows. Touted as a .006 but they actually test out at .002. Tough as nails and a great price. Definitely worth a serions look
280, the BE's run on the light side. I see where you recommended the brass insert. What are the advantages/disadvantages of using the heavier inserts to make weight?
Some of their arrows are on the light side. The Zombie Slayers and Outlaws are more on par weight wise with most manufacturers arrows. As for the brass inserts, just more FOC.