Arrow suggestions from African Plains Game hunt.

[bbloom96]

Can anyone make some recommendations on arrow weights and broadheads for an African plains game hunt in 2013? I have seen suggestions to use heavier weight arrows and broadheads for this hunt. I am starting from scratch on both bows so I can order any arrow and broadhead combo. My dad is shooting a Hoyt Carbon Element at 55lbs and 28 dl. I am shooting a Carbon Matrix at 65lbs and 28' dl.

Brian

 

[Zabi]

I had nearly the same setup as your dad's carbon element: 54 lbs at 28.75". I used arrows (Easton Excel 340, 30", a bit longer than usual to gain weight, Blazer Vanes) of 440gr, inclusive 125gr Silver Flame Broadheads, and done very well.

 

[Stretch]

You can go to any arrow manufactures website and click on an arrow selection chart.
I shoot Beman carbon arrows you can link to their arrow selection calculator at;
Beman - First in Carbon Arrows | Shaft Selector

For the Hoyt Carbon Element you can use the following arrows:
Size Spine Model Grains per inch
400 0.400 Realtree MFX 9.6
400 0.400 Classic MFX 10.4
400 0.400 ICS Camo HTR 9.1

For the Hoyt Carbon Matrix you can use the following arrows:
Size Spine Model Grains per inch
340 0.340 Realtree MFX 10.4
340 0.340 Classic MFX 11.2
340 0.340 ICS Camo HTR 10.0

The arrow selector chart will give you the option to purchase arrows that are (>7 grains per inch) for someone that wants a light arrow for speed. The key is to start with a shaft that is at least 9 grains per inch.I am a true believer that enhanced penetration is achieved by using a heavy arrow. As for broadheads I would suggest a "cut on impact" fixed blade head with 100 grain minimum. Even better would be a 125 grain broadhead. You can read a previous post "First African African Hunt" to see what some of the AH members suggest. I personally use G5 striker but there are a lot of good ones out there.

 

[ndbwhnter]

Good advice Stretch.

nd

 

[firehuntfish]

The key is to start with a shaft that is at least 9 grains per inch.I am a true believer that enhanced penetration is achieved by using a heavy arrow. As for broadheads I would suggest a "cut on impact" fixed blade head with 100 grain minimum. Even better would be a 125 grain broadhead. You can read a previous post "First African African Hunt" to see what some of the AH members suggest. I personally use G5 striker but there are a lot of good ones out there.

This is definately good advice. However, you really don't need to go out and buy new heavier arrows just for African plainsgame. Unless you have an extremely large animal on your list such as an eland, cape buffalo, etc..., an arrow set up that is effective on whitetails will work just fine. Lots of first time African hunters go out and spend alot of money that they really don't need to spend on broadheads, new bows, and arrows. To give you a quick example, my wife has taken at least 2 dozen plainsgame animals in Africa. She shoots a 48lb. bow with a 380 grain total weight arrow. She has gotten many pass-through shots on animals as large a zebra with that set up.

I would recommend you put the biggest emphasis and money spent on a heavy duty, fixed-blade, broadhead. Choose the largest one you can that flies well with your set up. I would also recommend that you study shot placement on African game. There is a great guide for that here on AH.com. If you put the arrow where it needs to be, you should not contact any bone upon entrance. The penetration will be deep and the job will get done. Leave the mechanical broadheads at home. They are very poor performers on African game.

 

[Stretch]

This is definitely good advice. However, you really don't need to go out and buy new heavier arrows just for African plainsgame. Unless you have an extremely large animal on your list such as an eland, cape buffalo, etc..., an arrow set up that is effective on whitetails will work just fine. Lots of first time African hunters go out and spend alot of money that they really don't need to spend on broadheads, new bows, and arrows. To give you a quick example, my wife has taken at least 2 dozen plainsgame animals in Africa. She shoots a 48lb. bow with a 380 grain total weight arrow. She has gotten many pass-through shots on animals as large a zebra with that set up.

I would recommend you put the biggest emphasis and money spent on a heavy duty, fixed-blade, broadhead. Choose the largest one you can that flies well with your set up. I would also recommend that you study shot placement on African game. There is a great guide for that here on AH.com. If you put the arrow where it needs to be, you should not contact any bone upon entrance. The penetration will be deep and the job will get done. Leave the mechanical broadheads at home. They are very poor performers on African game.

That is good advice firhuntfish! Nice to hear that your wife hunts with you. Doing the math on her set up she is shooting a finished arrow weight of 7.9 grains per inch. My wife Packsy's current set up is 8.6 grain per inch finished arrow weight. I am experimenting as she is increasing her bow draw weight I am with keeping the arrow weight up by adding weight tubes. It's tough finding a good set-up when shooting a short arrow and low poundage.

I know a guy really doesn't "need to" buy new archery equipment but is sure is fun.

bbloom96 - you are getting good advice from everyone. Just fire away with more questions and we will help you the best we can.

 

[firehuntfish]

Stretch,

You are absolutely right... Buying new equipment and tinkering around with different set-ups is half of the fun...!

It's just that I have seen similar posts from others inquiring about the set-ups required to bow hunt Africa. I'm sure every reply is well intended. However, for the most part, it is not necessary to go out and spend hundreds on new set-ups unless you want to.... I've seen members here recommend 80lb. plus bows with 600 grain arrows. Will it work? Sure... Is it necessary? For most of the game, absolutely not....

Have a great time, take lots of pictures, and video if you can... I always regret not taking enough pictures and video...

 

[TOM]

This is kind of a "blondes, brunettes or redheads" question.

Personally, I shoot a Gold Tip Pro (or XT) 5575 arrow with 125 grain fixed blade broadheads (prefer Muzzy three blade). As long as you are comfortable with your setup and more importantly; Shoot it well, then you will have a fantastic safari no matter the name printed on the gear.

 

[Norwegianwoods]

Very good advice here.
I don't disagree with anyone

I see no one talk about FOC and I think that is also something you should keep in mind.
I recommend you to have at least 10-15% FOC and I think around 15% is the best if you manage that without much problems.

It really helps with arrow flight and penetration.