Which way to go speed vs. weight

[Husker]

According to my calcs I get the same KE from a 400gr as I would a 350gr.
I gain about 15fps with the lighter one. 27" draw, 60# pull IBO 316fps

I'll get less drop per ft with the higher speed.
They both carry the same KE at the various ranges.
Time of flight/target reaction time would be reduced with the lighter arrow.
Less time in the air less time for external forces (wind) to act on it.
The lighter arrow might be louder.

What are the advantageous beside the arrow flight noise for using a heavier arrow?

[thebomb6_99]

Ok you getting the KE from you bow no matter what arrow you shoot but your down range KE (momentum) is going to be less with the lighter arrow. It really depends on what you are hunting if you are shooting antelope at 50 yards it does not matter that animal is going to die if you hit vitals no matter what. But if it was an elk or pig I would want the heavy arrow down range. I am going after bear, moose and caribou so I want a heavy arrow down range. Also a heavier arrow will tame your bow

[Husker]

I found one reference to assume 3% speed drop for each consecutive 10yds. Using that assumption the KE still was still almost identical out to 50yds.
I found this article which is pretty good
I'm going to go with the speed.

http://www.bowhunting.com/publisher/bowhunting-knowledge/2008/12/31/benefits-of-arrow-speed

[sodapop15]

Down range a heavier arrow is flat out better. A heavier arrow is affacted less by the wind and it DOES carry more KE down range. Like mentioned above a heavier arrow helps tame your bow. A heavier arrow will also retain its speed down range better than a light arrow.

[txcountryboy86]

i was wondering somthing similar to this mainly because im going on a hunting trip up to BC next year after bear, moose, and a muley. might buy a difrent bow though, mine is toped out at 68lbs. Looking at the monster. However i do know that a heavier arrow does have more down range ke than a lighter arrow

[ShaBow]

Down range a heavier arrow is flat out better. A heavier arrow is affacted less by the wind and it DOES carry more KE down range. Like mentioned above a heavier arrow helps tame your bow. A heavier arrow will also retain its speed down range better than a light arrow.

X2 and the heavier arrow is better for sure (momentum)!

[ballisticbudda]

Now the fun begins. You have to find the happy medium between speed and KE. One thing to consider is how far of a shot are you planning.

[ShaBow]

I always use 6 grains per # as a min. and 9 to 10 as heavy.I think 7 to 8 is a medium!(this is on compounds)

[rocky]

You won't see any notable difference in your pin-gap going from 300 fps to 315 fps, but you will retain more energy,(slight) with the 400 grain arrow.
Regardless of KE, a heavier arrow maintains a straighter path thru an animal than a lighter one.
It's hard to argue with arrows running between 400 and 450 grains, @ 280-300 fps.

[bubinga]

Momentum is a better indicator of penetration for arrows than KE. Do a search for Dr. Ashby's reports. Though I am not a big fan of extremes in either direction, his test and findings are very informative.