Does anyone figure their FOC on arrows for hunting?

a3dhunter · Dec 23, 2006

I have read many articles saying that we should have between 7-10% forward of center balance point on arrows for the best flight and I am wondering how many people actually check this?
I have some PSE arrows that will need 100 grain broadheads, but my Axis arrows require a 125 grain broadhead. Both are fletched with blazer vanes. I also found that it can vary quite a bit with different types of broadheads, say a Muzzy 3 blade verse a Rocky Mountain Ultimate Steel. The shorter broadhead increased the FOC %. Any thoughts on this and for those that have figured it out, what set ups are you using?

canhunter · Dec 23, 2006

Absolutely made a difference in my groups. It all depends on the arrow weight compared to length etc. I go as close as I can to the 10% mark. I just adjusted my arrow length to get the percentage I wanted to match my broadhead and fletching. I would not want to mess around finding a broadhead to make the FOC I wanted.

Legolas · Dec 24, 2006

LAST EDITED ON Dec-24-06 AT 07:35AM (MST)[p]This is another one of those issues that is really about competition shooting more than hunting with a compound. Still, after I had selected the shaft/fletch/broadhead combination that I wanted to hunt with, I did check the FOC before I started investing $15 per arrow.

canhunter · Dec 24, 2006

Competition is where we all get better equipment. If we took all the techniques used by competition shooters and applied the useable ones to our hunting we would all benefit. Some obviously we could not use, but you would be suprised by how many we can escpecially in regards to equipment. I love the guy who sights his rifle in off hand or sitting and used the excuse "well I won't have a bench while out hunting". A prime exhample of simple and shallow thought process.

a3dhunter · Dec 24, 2006

canhunter, I agree with you. I always want to have total confidence in my equipment and know that if something goes wrong then it is my fault. I may practice shooting my rifle without a bench rest, but when I sight it in I am using a bench vise to make sure the rifle is perfect. With my arrows I have found anywhere from 12% FOC down to 8% and I am wondering what really is the best? Anyone know?

SierraFool · Dec 24, 2006

Go to Eason arrows website they have a FOC calculator.It makes all the differance in the world.

BigPig · Dec 24, 2006

With broadheads something in the 10-13% should be about ideal. I shoot 12% and think it is just right.

coonhound40 · Dec 25, 2006

It seems a lot of people forget or don't realize that any imperfection in your setup or shooting form is magnified when you put the broadheads on. I take every opportunity to fine tune my setup, if hear the statement "that's for target shooters only, hunters don't need that kind of accuracy" that's BS to me, we need to have every edge we can get considering we are shooting in less than perfect conditions most of the time.

Just my $0.02

a3dhunter · Dec 25, 2006

LAST EDITED ON Dec-25-06 AT 09:31PM (MST)[p]I found this on bowsite. Bowhunting Magazine said the same thing.

"The general FOC recommendation is 12 to 15% for broadheads (compared to 8-11% for field points)."

On Rocky Mountain Archery homepage it said this:
"The normal accepted ranges of FOC are between 7% and 10% FOC on any given arrow. "

Cameron Hanes in his book "Backcountry Bowhunting" refers to FOC needing to be between 7% and 10%.
So who is right?

canhunter · Dec 26, 2006

What ever works best in your set up is right. Nothing is set in stone just some basis to work from.

BlackTimber · Dec 26, 2006

For 3D I shoot 9% for hunting I'm at 12%
A lighter tip (less FOC) will help your arrows at longer distances from dropping off. But with broadheads you want a little heavier in the front do that the wind (planing) doesn't grab your arrow. A heavier tip will help stable the arrow provided that the spine is correct.