Longbow Arrow Tuning Help Needed

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Basstar
Posts: 94
Joined: Fri Oct 23, 2015 3:56 am

Longbow Arrow Tuning Help Needed

#1 Post by Basstar »

I just began bare shaft tuning my new Prairie Predator (#41 @ 28) with about a 27.50"-27.75” draw length. I am shooting this bow off the shelf.

According to the charts I saw, using a 125 grain point, it was recommended that I use either a .600 spine carbon or 1816 XX75. I chose to begin the with 1816 XX75.

My first test was at full length (30”) with a 125 grain point. The arrows showed extremely weak with the nocks all pointing extremely left.

My second test was also at full length with a 100 grain point. Same result.

For my third test, I cut the arrows back to 28.50” with the 100 grain point. Again the same result. The arrows “appear” weak with the nocks all pointing extremely left.

Now, this is my very first attempt to shoot a longbow and although the arrows “appear” weak I am wondering if that may not be the case at all since they are showing the same with all three scenarios.

Any thoughts and ideas are appreciated and I thank you in advance.

Kybownut
Posts: 825
Joined: Wed Jan 28, 2015 5:30 am

Re: Longbow Arrow Tuning Help Needed

#2 Post by Kybownut »

Don't know much about bareshaft tuning, but I'd try a fletched 1916 29" long with a 125 grain tip.

Captainkirk
Site Admin
Posts: 13073
Joined: Tue Aug 26, 2014 8:19 pm

Re: Longbow Arrow Tuning Help Needed

#3 Post by Captainkirk »

1816 at 30" seems mighty light to me. That was what was recommended for my Tamerlane with 125gr field points....at 35#!
I think I would try the 1916 with 125s and back down to 100's if the spine appears too stiff.
Aim small, miss small!

Basstar
Posts: 94
Joined: Fri Oct 23, 2015 3:56 am

Re: Longbow Arrow Tuning Help Needed

#4 Post by Basstar »

I am beginning to think you are both correct and am going to experiment with a stiffer spine. If that's the case I will use these 1816's for my #30 recurve.

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Graps
Posts: 6696
Joined: Mon Sep 08, 2014 8:39 pm

Re: Longbow Arrow Tuning Help Needed

#5 Post by Graps »

My wife shoots 1816s cut 26" with her 40# recurve .
I too think you are very light .
I just can't bring myself to agree with Captiankirk , so don't tell him I did . OK ?
"Maybe the truly handicapped people are the ones that don't need God as much." ~ Joni Eareckson Tada

Carpdaddy
Site Admin
Posts: 9471
Joined: Tue Dec 31, 2013 7:36 pm

Re: Longbow Arrow Tuning Help Needed

#6 Post by Carpdaddy »

I usually go a step above what the charts call for, but I most always add 100 grain inserts and 125 or more grain tips. I'm shooting almost the same pound draw and shoot 500 spine, carbon Express 150's, and do okay with a 400 spine. I like heavy arrows so a heavier spine that is longer and has more weight up front (higher FOC) works well for me. My arrows are 29-29.5".

Cookies
Posts: 581
Joined: Mon Feb 09, 2015 6:18 am

Re: Longbow Arrow Tuning Help Needed

#7 Post by Cookies »

Alan, I'm shooting a .400-spine carbon arrow off my 45# Grizzly. My arrows are uncut, as they come out of the box at 31.25" and I draw 30.5". With 150gr points they're ok and a bit soft for me with the 150gr Centaurs. I plan to move up to something just a touch stiffer. I would think .600 shafts would be a bit noodly on a 41# bow PM me your address and I'll send you one of my Victorys to try out if you'd like (minus point of course).

I'll even send you one that I've shot the vanes off of :lol:

*EDIT:
It just occurred to me that over the Thanksgiving weekend I missed my target (low) while attempting to shoot at 30 yards for the first time. I involuntarily shortened one of my arrows by about 2.5" when it hit the cinder block my target was sitting on. I can never use it again, so I'll send it too.

Shootemstraight
Posts: 11
Joined: Fri Dec 11, 2015 10:40 am

Re: Longbow Arrow Tuning Help Needed

#8 Post by Shootemstraight »

Basstar, Might want to try some wood arrows in the 45-50# range! The cedars sure smell good when they Break! I have a couple I would be willing to send you if your interested in trying them out. Michael
54" Fox Breed 60#@28"
60" Pronghorn Longbow 55#@27"
Genesis 27:3 Now therefore take, I pray thee, thy weapons, thy quiver and thy bow, and go out to the field, and take me some venison.

Basstar
Posts: 94
Joined: Fri Oct 23, 2015 3:56 am

Re: Longbow Arrow Tuning Help Needed

#9 Post by Basstar »

Cookies wrote:Alan, I'm shooting a .400-spine carbon arrow off my 45# Grizzly. My arrows are uncut, as they come out of the box at 31.25" and I draw 30.5". With 150gr points they're ok and a bit soft for me with the 150gr Centaurs. I plan to move up to something just a touch stiffer. I would think .600 shafts would be a bit noodly on a 41# bow PM me your address and I'll send you one of my Victorys to try out if you'd like (minus point of course).

I'll even send you one that I've shot the vanes off of :lol:

*EDIT:
It just occurred to me that over the Thanksgiving weekend I missed my target (low) while attempting to shoot at 30 yards for the first time. I involuntarily shortened one of my arrows by about 2.5" when it hit the cinder block my target was sitting on. I can never use it again, so I'll send it too.
Cookies, thank you so much. I appreciate the wonderful offer and am impressed daily with this site.

Basstar
Posts: 94
Joined: Fri Oct 23, 2015 3:56 am

Re: Longbow Arrow Tuning Help Needed

#10 Post by Basstar »

Shootemstraight wrote:Basstar, Might want to try some wood arrows in the 45-50# range! The cedars sure smell good when they Break! I have a couple I would be willing to send you if your interested in trying them out. Michael
Thanks so much Michael. This is an awesome opportunity and I appreciate it greatly.

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