Arrows Suitable for Big Game or not Good Enough?

[sierracharlie338]

Newbie,

Before you go cranking on nocks with pliers etc AT THE VERY MINIMUM watch some YouTube video of people that know what they are doing and learn the correct way.

BUT,

Going off some of the responses you have provided I would highly recommend you take the bow to a reputable shop for any work or adjustments.

To answer your initial question, the Maximas will work but you need consider your draw weight. 50lbs of draw won't be sufficient for some African game. Most hunters that bow hunt Africa are pulling 80lbs. Just a couple of things to consider.

 

[RYEWSKY25284]

Hi to all the respected, experienced members.

As a total newbie I was hoping to ask for some advice. Due to covid there is a shortage of arrows that I can source.

Do the experienced members here think the Carbon Express Maxima Red 350 connected to the Magnus Stinger broadhead 150 grain are good enough for hunting big game or do you think this is out of date/not adequate for big game?

I have read conflicting opinions whereby some say the weight/kinetic energy is more important than using a light carbon fast traveling arrow. Then others showed figures that beyond a certain distance it all evens out, irrespective of whether you use a heavy slow traveling aluminum arrow or a fast light carbon arrow.

Sorry, I should also clarify that this is not the Maxima Red SD arrow. It is the Maxima red 350. Thank you.

As I mentioned I am totally new to both the conventional compound bow, as well as the crossbow (I recently bought both). Then I am also new at this site and not sure if it is against the rules to also post this same question at the forum: "Bowhunting"?. If so, then I must sincerely apologize (I was unsure whether I must post this question under "Bowhunting" OR "Hunting Big game"?

Many thanks again for your kind understanding.

Best regards

James

No offense intended here.... But, your question is equal to, Girls wanting to join the Boy Scouts.
I didn't notice that we are also an Archery forum.

 

[Critter Picker]

There are a lot of things to take in to account. I boldly went in pursuit of bison with a popular 100 grain 4 blade (fixed) broadhead. I had a 50 yard now or never broadside shot. Farther than I was comfortable with but well within my ability. The bison took a step between the time I released the arrow and the hit. My arrow was all lung but about a foot behind the crease. Penetration wasn't what I expected because that big broadhead had to cut through a quarter inch of hide. 5 miles later I got a 50 yard shot with a 3 blade (fixed) 1 3/16 broadhead. Total pass through, game over.

The moral is it depends on a lot of factors only you can control. Make sure that your blades are sharp . Thats the biggest factor. You didn't mention the game. Thats huge.

Good hunting.

 

[zb338]

If you put the arrow through both lungs the animal is doomed.

Zeke

 

[Stickfigure]

I have shot and hunted with arrows that are similar to what you have, for years and have killed many big game animals with this set-up. It may not be ideal for you and your situation, however. Arrows need to be properly spited for your draw weight, draw length, and broadhead weight. I encourage you to find a competent archery pro shop and have them help you.

 

[JMW67]

I have shot and hunted with arrows that are similar to what you have, for years and have killed many big game animals with this set-up. It may not be ideal for you and your situation, however. Arrows need to be properly spited for your draw weight, draw length, and broadhead weight. I encourage you to find a competent archery pro shop and have them help you.

sounds like very solid advice

 

[Buano]

First: The arrow shaft must be matched to the weight of your arrrow-head and the draw-weight of your bow. Every arrow manufacturer has a chart where you can see what shafts are appropriate for the weight of your bow and arrowheads. Be sure to practice with arrowheads of the same weight as what you will be hunting with.

Mountain lions are cowards. It is extremely rare for these cats to approach the face of an animal — which includes people. Once treed, any hunting bow 45 pounds and up is enough IF the archer is accurate.

Black bears do not require any more of an archery system than do deer. It's important to be able to hit the heart-lung area, after which the bear will likely run off until it bleeds out.

Don't even consider hunting grizzlies with a bow unless you have someone ready with a gun in case the bear decides he wants to kill you before he dies.

Buffalo are BIG but they tend to go down easy if you hit the vitals.

Archery takes longer to master than a firearm does. It's your call but I would recommend any new archer use this year to PRACTICE at least 30 minutes per day and become proficient, then plan hunts for next year. I wish you the best!

 

[Deleted member 115654]

Newbie,

If you don't know who Fred Bear and Howard Hill are, you need to spend your first $200 on books.

 

[300 Driver]

Newbie-

The best answer you will get here, based on the info you provided, is to go to your local pro shop.
For any archer to determine if an arrow is suitable for elephants to squirrels, they must know how to use a spine chart. EVERY arrow manufacturer offers them. You draw length, draw weight, can type, and point weight all impact you needed spine. I personally like to be in the heavy side of the spine needed. I shoot one arrow at everything from grouse to moose. I don't like the idea of changing my pins during a season and as someone already mentioned, archery is hard to master. Keep it as simple as you possibly can.

It seems you have jumped into the deep end of archery without a grasp on the basics. Follow the advice you received above. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE. If you aren't sure how to adjust your nock, you're not ready to kill an animal with a bow. But you will be soon! Just keep at it! It's addictive and fun. A 100yd bow shot is very similar to a 1000yd rifle shot.

 

[Critter Picker]

I should probably back up on my reply.

I'm not real familiar with Carbon express arrows , but if it was an Easton or gold tip it would be the deflection or spine of the arrow. The proper spine is determined by many factors. Tip weight,cam design,draw weight,arrow length , just to mention a few. Form plays into the equation also. The best thing you could do would be to go to a GOOD archery pro shop.

I've been into this for so long that I forget what it was like 50 years ago when I started this game. You are lucky to have the shops today that didn't exist then.

Not sure what area you live in but you can find a reliable shop and it will be the best money you ever spent. You can save yourself a ton of frustration that we had to learn by trial and error.

 

[okie man]

I've been hunting with wooden arrows and magnus broad heads for about 35 years. They kill fine. My advise to the op is go to a professional bow shop and get your stuff setup by someone who knows their sh!t. I've set up hundreds of bows as a shop manager and a very good friend. My personal compound setup uses 125 grain heads, brass inserts and 50 grain screw in weights for about 220 grain total weight. Put them on a 291/2" 75/95 shaft at 280fps and they shatter bone, big bone!

 

[one3]

Ask Fred Bear !

Remember this, Every one likes a little a$%, but no one likes a smart a@#. He was asking for help.

 

[Deleted member 115654]

Remember this, Every one likes a little a$%, but no one likes a smart a@#. He was asking for help.

The best help he could get is reading the classic experts and finding a shop with real pros.

 

[Mrkdiver]

Hi to all the respected, experienced members.

As a total newbie I was hoping to ask for some advice. Due to covid there is a shortage of arrows that I can source.

Do the experienced members here think the Carbon Express Maxima Red 350 connected to the Magnus Stinger broadhead 150 grain are good enough for hunting big game or do you think this is out of date/not adequate for big game?

I have read conflicting opinions whereby some say the weight/kinetic energy is more important than using a light carbon fast traveling arrow. Then others showed figures that beyond a certain distance it all evens out, irrespective of whether you use a heavy slow traveling aluminum arrow or a fast light carbon arrow.

Sorry, I should also clarify that this is not the Maxima Red SD arrow. It is the Maxima red 350. Thank you.

As I mentioned I am totally new to both the conventional compound bow, as well as the crossbow (I recently bought both). Then I am also new at this site and not sure if it is against the rules to also post this same question at the forum: "Bowhunting"?. If so, then I must sincerely apologize (I was unsure whether I must post this question under "Bowhunting" OR "Hunting Big game"?

Many thanks again for your kind understanding.

Best regards

James

If they are tuned to your bow and the broadheads are sharp they will work fine. Wood arrows with goose feathers and old bear razor heads will work fine, put the arrow where it needs to go.