I inadvertently got some penetration data over recent weeks.

I have been practicing with two different arrow weights.

One design is a 705 grain home-made heavy arrow, GT5575 inside a GT22Pro with the same 175 grain practice tip. My 80# Allegiance flings these at 246 fps. These were my first attempt at a cape buffalo arrow.

The "light" arrows are BassPro Redhead (really Carbon Express) Carbon Hunter Supreme 350s. That setup totals 570 grains. The same 80# bow puts these out at 270 fps. I use these on deer (and hope to try one on an elk.)

I have been using a single pin sight for years hunting deer from tree stands, but I'm getting ready for Africa (and I'm going elk hunting next week), so I've started using a three pin sight.

I keep making mistakes about which pin to use!

As a result I've shot several arrows through my wooden fence over the last few weeks. If the board does not split completely the 570 grain arrow will stop before the fletches (two arrows). The 705 grain arrow will be stuck in a tree in the woods behind the fence (three arrows).

Now a fence is not a critter, but I think that this does show that the increased momentum of the heavy arrow will tend to penetrate better if it gets pinched by the heavy ribs of a buffalo.

I keep seeing "penetration tests" into a layered-foam (or other homogenous material) target, that show that faster, lighter arrows will out-penetrate a heavier arrow of the same kinetic energy. All of my experience says otherwise.

The penetration tests into plastic foam with very fast arrows give false results. The friction of a fast arrows actually causes the foam to melt(which is why they are hard to pull out) and it acts as a lubricant. I've seen lots of arrows shot into water buffalo and the heavy arrow rules. I've seen 1500 grain arrows at less than a 140fps and 700 grain arrows at close to 300fps and guess which one did better?
Serious penetration testing is a big pain, you never realize how many variables there are until you start trying to do it on a scientific basis, I gues thats why so few people actually do it!

lobo,

I've seen arrows pulled out that had the plastic still stuck to the side of the arrow, so I know you are right about the melting.

quote:

As a result I've shot several arrows through my wooden fence over the last few weeks. If the board does not split completely the 570 grain arrow will stop before the fletches (two arrows). The 705 grain arrow will be stuck in a tree in the woods behind the fence (three arrows).

Now a fence is not a critter, but I think that this does show that the increased momentum of the heavy arrow will tend to penetrate better if it gets pinched by the heavy ribs of a buffalo.

I suggest using the light arrows on the cape buff trip!

How the heck can I count on being needed for a follow up with my 470 after all this R&D you are doing!

Cheers,
Canuck

Canuck,

If you put a rifle bullet into my archery Cape Buff, then he'd better fall on top of me, or you are next!

quote:

If you put a rifle bullet into my archery Cape Buff, then he'd better fall on top of me, or you are next!

Awwww!

Maybe I'll just video him tossing you around a bit before I shoot, just to be sure you don't have to shoot me.

hehehehehe

Cheers,
Canuck

Hmmm Don and Canuck... ya'll raise an interesting canundrum... Don doesn't want a bullet in his Cape Buff. unless he's about to get trampled.. but Canuck doesn't wanna get shot by Don for shooting too soon.. hmmm if it's a matter of my pride or my life... i think i'd have to say to hell with my pride LOL

Actually I have absolute confidence in Canuck's judgement in this matter.

There are not very many people in this world that I trust with a loaded gun behind me!

Don hmmm here i was trying to get in on a little horsing around and you go turn me into an antagonist LOL oh well i guess we all have to have a title LOL

AR,

Nah, I knew we were all kidding around.

When were you in the Crotch?

quote:

I keep seeing "penetration tests" into a layered-foam (or other homogenous material) target, that show that faster, lighter arrows will out-penetrate a heavier arrow of the same kinetic energy. All of my experience says otherwise.

I've seen several of those over the years. One thing that stands out is smaller shaft diameter on those lighter arrows. It ereally is hard to compare apples to apples.