Penetration?

[timberjack86]

Just got into trad archery. I am shooting a 68 in 50 pound longbow, port oxford cedar arrows and 135 grain 4 blade zwikeys. I am only getting 1-2 inches of penetration on a 3d archery target. Is this normal?

 

[user 972]

let's clarify. 2" on the shaft plus the length of the BH or 2" total. if you have a 3" BH and 2" of shaft, you have 5" of pene. a lot depends on the type of material you are shooting into. different 3D targets have different densities. I'm shooting 52# with a 175 gr snuffer, total arrow weight about 470 grs, into a blob broadhead target and just getting about 2" plus the length of the head at 20 yards.

oh yeah, are the arrows flying true or wobbling?

 

[timberjack86]

Most of the time they fly true but a few shots have had some wobble. Oh did I mention I am brand new to traditional archery

 

[user 972]

Oh did I mention I am brand new to traditional archery

yeah you mentioned. I consider myself new and I've been shooting this way for 18 years. I try to pass on what I have learned without calling myself an expert because I am still learning.

wobble can be the cause of several different things. some is release, some is tuning and some can be wrong shaft. I have noticed that good wood shafts seem to be the most forgiving. if one wobbles, set all the other arrows aside and try that one arrow a few more times. if it continues to wobble, the head may be on crooked. if it still flies crooked, try another arrow, if it flies crooked, it may be your release of the string.

as far as arrow penetration, flesh is softer than a 3D target, I don't think you will have any problems IF you put your arrow where it needs to go.

 

[timberjack86]

Thanks, I think the wobble and the occasional flying way off target is due to either, my form or release like you mentioned. Its tough to shoot instinctively after shooting compounds and a crossbow for years, but it feels really good!

 

[user 972]

remember, you have to follow thru with your shot, don't drop your bow arm and keep your string hand steady after the shot. string hand will move some but don't add any unnatural movement to it.

 

[timberjack86]

Thanks very much for the tips. I will try to keep you updated.

 

[user 972]

oh, hold on. back to the penetration. was that 2" total or 2" up the shaft?

 

[timberjack86]

1 inch up the shaft after the 2 inch broadhead.