BD400 and 20" Arrows

[SEW]

I've done a lot of testing with my M380,BD400 and M405. And a little with my Sol 350. I tested a variety of arrows, but won't go into all the details. The first serious hunt will be a 3 day bear hunt. The bait barrel is 58 yds from the blind. The blind is small! The BD400 is more compact than the 380 or 405. It is primary.
I tried 3 major arrow combinations: 18" Zombies, 26g insert, helical Blazers, FOCs, flat plastic nocks(397gs), 18" STs, 50g inserts, rest the same, 421g, and I tried my Sol 350 arrows but with my FOCs. These arrows are 20"" STs, 92g inserts, FOCs(170gs), helical Blazers, moon nocks - later replaced with flat nocks(481gs - total point weight - 92 + 170= 262gs).
With the stock stirrup , the FOC point on the 20" shaft is 3/4" from the end of the stirrup, IOWs, ideal.
60 yd groups with all 8 arrows is 1"!!!. That's with 4 different practice FOC heads.
The surprising thing is that though the Optimizer tape was set up for the 421g arrows, these front heavy, 20" STs were only 1 -1 1/2" low at 60 yds and about 2" low at 70 yds.
The BD400 is better suited for 20" arrows IMO . The longer arrows plane better and are incredibly accurate. And very quiet.
I took great pictures but Photobucked isn't cooperating with me today. Pictures later.
The 380 and 405 are shooting the 18" STs, 50g inserts, and FOCs .
Summary: you just never know what might work and work well.

[paulaboutform]

Sew, I'm intrigued by your findings. I wonder if it may have more to do with weight than the extra length....possibly a combination of both?
A while back I tested some different arrows I'd made up. Both 18" Zombies with plastic nocks. One with 92gr brass inserts and 100gr points and blazers, the other with 110gr brass inserts and 125gr points and SK200 's. The lighter arrow, as expected, shot higher/flatter all the way out to 50yards. Then the unexpected, at 60 yards they had the same poi and at 70yards the heavier arrow was actually hitting an inch higher. ??? I'm no physicist but I suspect that's 'momentum' in action. I'm intrigued by your extreme FOC though. Have you calculated it out?

Paul

[acreek]

If all of the sources I've read are correct, then the 2" difference in overall length will improve accuracy because the added length places the fletching further back from the leading point which allows the fletching to better stabilize and steer the arrow. I've thought about adding length to my Bulldog bolts for this reason as well. Besides, a longer shaft is also easier to find after a pass through.

[mchurch]

I just got some 20 inch spynal tapps in with 110 grain brass inserts. Should be good

[SEW]

I'll calculate the FOC which will be extreme. I'm fairly certain that less weight up front would yield even better results. This was just one of those things I tried that yielded very positive results. Since I'm bear hunting this next weekend, I decided to just hunt with it this way. The extra weight can't hurt. The bait barrel is 58 yds from the small blind.
The Bears' favorite bait is the WalMart sugar cookies. Corn is preferred over dog food. Coons clear out the donuts before the bear have a chance. On this Friday PM, they'll have an unbelievable choice of a whole lot of everything.

[acreek]

Did they say why the blind is so far from the bait barrel? I was under the impression that bear guides set bowhunters up as close as possible, aiming for a 20 yard shot near the barrel so you can more easily judge size.

[ThunderXB]

Dr Steve,

First, you're driving me crazy with all your experimenting!!!!

Next, GOOD LUCK bear hunting!!

We'll want to see pictures!

[SEW]

Did they say why the blind is so far from the bait barrel? I was under the impression that bear guides set bowhunters up as close as possible, aiming for a 20 yard shot near the barrel so you can more easily judge size.

Really good question. I didn't do the set-up but do not mind the distance. There are 4 bear frequenting my bait barrel. I know which one I'm wanting. I'm hunting a blind that has been in place for decades (on a circular food plot - ~60 yds in diameter). The trail into the food plot leads to a place directly opposite the blind. The bear will frequently somewhat circle around checking for scent but not quite to the blind.

[Fatboy111]

I am shooting 20" BEE's with 92 gr insert and 125 GR. They shoot fantastic out to 80 yards. Not complaining at all.

[SEW]

I am shooting 20" BEE's with 92 gr insert and 125 GR. They shoot fantastic out to 80 yards. Not complaining at all.

I have a few 125g Spitfire practice points which I also tried. Shot equally well as the practice FOCs.

I'm really curious about your forum name. The USAF and the Australians both flew the F111. It's nickname is Aardvark which is the Australian anteater, also called pig. The F111's radome sticks out in a way that resembles the anteater. I've been enamoured with the F111 since it first flew in 1964 and still am. Its also been labeled as "the pig" and "the fat boy". Anyway, "Fatboy111" causes me to wonder.

[Fatboy111]

Fatboy came about because of a custom Fatboy that I built and drag raced out of a bet in Sturgis. Beat a well known guy badly-he ran his mouth one too many times. The bet was for a considerable amount. After that, I was known as Fatboy. "111" is for my birth date. Sold the bike to the highest bidder about 6 yrs ago. Very familiar with the F111. My father served in the navy fleet for several years and heard stories about all kinds of planes. Wish you a safe and good hunt this fall.

[SEW]

26.72% is the foc for the 20" ST(measuring 20 1/8" from short flat nock to end of insert), with FOC(169.0g), 92g insert, Blazers. It's a bit on the high side but it flys great! And hits hard!!
Hopefully, it'll hit a bear really hard on Sep 24.

[Fatboy111]

Good luck on the bear hunt! Let's us know how you do!