FMJs - slight concern

[Christopher Lee]

I decided to start a seperate thread since it addresses the FMJs in a different manner.

This 'report' is purely based on two samples from one shop, so I can't say that's it's conclusive, or sweeping in any way.*

A fellow archer brought these in about three months ago. I got mine very recently, and shot them for the second time today.

Basically, my friend has only 7 arrows left. 2 completely snapped in the target, 1 is obviously bent, and 2 are cracked at the rear. The snapping could be because of points or rarget pins buried in the foam - I do not know.

As for me, 1 casulty so far. After shooting about 3 or 4 ends into moderately used Danage bales, the arrow had a slight, but distinct wobble. This is virtually a brand new arrow.

We both shoot strictly FITA target, not field. He uses 100 grn points, I use 125. Both are 400 spine. I can't speak for him, but none of my arrows save for 1 bareshaft has ever been in the ground, and it's not the wobbly one.

I was skeptical whrn my friend mentioned that the Axis FMJs were really delicate, but I shall pay more attention to mine after what happened today.

* Could just be a bad batch we both got since we both bought from the same store. Me thinks me should e-mail Easton about this.

[wingate_52]

If the point weight is beyond that which Easton advise you are subjecting the arrows to abuse. They will bend just behind the point inset.

[ThePinkOne]

I'm surprised, my FMJs are tough as old boots.

Pancaked one this weekend doing short range work- one impacted other on side adn cruched the sidewall. I've had two backenders at 6m at home and inboth cases nock was shattered but very careful inspection showed the shaft was fine.

Just wonder, but could the spine be a bit weak? Only think I can think that would cause enough flex that they go like this, I think 100gr piles are well withing the allowed weight.

Otherwise, don't know, Easton may be able to help. I have heard that Easton withdrew their batches of Nav FMJs just before shipment, but apparently it was just a cosmetic flaw. Certainly my experience with the FMJ is very positive but that doesn't mean there's no issue. If you do get any feedback form Easton it would be interesting to know what they say.

P.

[Christopher Lee]

My friend's shooting a Merlin XT300, hybrids, just below 50#, 29". He uses 100 grn points.

I'm shooting a Conquest 3, Mini Max cam, about 55-56#, 27". 125 grn points.

Both 400 spine. Are our points too heavy?

[wingate_52]

According to the Easton cat, your points are at the max so all should be ok. There may be some similarity to the longbow archers shooting in the wind. Sometimes when the wooden arrow hits the target at an angle the shaft breaks across the grain behind the point. It may depend on your target material?The poundage of your limbs. 300 spine?

[wingate_52]

I am pushing my Fatboys with their 165 gn points but only from a 43# recurve.They are fine for indoors.

[stever]

I have had my FMJ for a few months now, find them as tough as old boots. on my third set of nocks due to 'clattering' them. Some are scratched but no physical damage. They are Axis 400 with 125gn pile giving a weight of 415 gn coming of a Bowtech Patriot at 54 lb (cronoed them at 295 fps). The only problem I am having is I keep hitting the knocks. Still straight. All I can say is I find them great.

[pwiles1968]

I destroyed one of mine when I first goth them last year, managed to rip the nock through the side wall I think I was just unlucky, apart from that no damage, I have heard of people destroying 3 or 4 X10's in one round, at least with the FMJ's if you are unlucky and break/bend one they are cheap to replace.

[Quadratus]

I'll keep a close eye on them, since I'm always a bit suspicious of anything that seems to be too good to be true, but so far so good.

I've only had my FMJ 400's a couple of weeks (29" 125gn point, 449gn all up weight)), but I've been practising for a Worcester with 5 arrows at one spot, so I've had a lot of rear-enders. The result has been broken plastic all over the floor, but no shaft damage.

I've still to give them a proper trial outdoors, but if the wind ever stops blowing and the rain ever stops lashing down that should happen soon.

Incidentally, I think this type of sharing experience is the most important part of this type of forum - thanks for keeping it factual guys.

[Marcus26]

I've been shooting mine since December 15th.
I have had 1 robin hooded. Rest are perfect.
I use 125 grain points so that's 141 grains up front.
No breakages, nothing.
I shot a 359 at 30m with them one day shooting 6 arrow ends. One end I blew 3 nocks to pieces and was slamming them really hard for that round. No damage (except to those Beiter nocks)

I suspect that your targets are the issue, not the arrows.