I like the FMJ but it's because I shoot a foam 3D deer a LOT......if you don't care about that the the differences in arrows isn't a big deal like people think. Find the right spine and then the GPI that gets you the TAW you want and enjoy.

I used the Matrix arrows as well because they are light so I can adjust the TAW weight with added point weight. IMHO Easton doesn't really make any bad arrows........it's how you set them up that counts.

 

I shoot FMJ 6 mm and love them. You can't use the HIIT inserts as they don't fit right, just get some glue in ones and off you go.

The issue I have is finding them now, they seem to be getting harder to find.

 

I've been using the 6mm FMJ in 320 spine the last 4 years and really like them for overall usage. They use the Easton RPS inserts and are much easier to remove from targets than my previous full carbon arrows. Mine are 28.5 inches and using standard inserts, total weight at 456 grains.

For what it's worth the 320 spine 6mm FMJ and the 300 spine Axis with 25 grain brass inserts are virtually the same diameter and weight.

 

Do you have a goal for overall weight and FOC ,or a speed you want to stay around ? And are you wanting to try the 5mm size? Which is .204 inside diameter?

 

I have been using them for a few years now and have had no problem with them. Using the 390 spine cut to 28 inches with four fletch and 100 grain point, weighing in at 440. 28 inch draw, 58 pound draw weight, don't know about speed though never shot out of chronograph.

 

They work Gooood

 

So a different arrow wouldn't have killed it? You did good.....the arrow was just a very very small part of that.

 

Nice buck been using the 5mm FMJs for years with no issues I have never had a bending problem as others have mentioned
Good luck

 

I have the 5mm FMJs and really like them. Haven't had any issues with mine.

 

Why are you interested in the FMJ vs a standard carbon shaft? Spine consistency is very good on them, no need to nock tune. However they are extremely prone to bending as well.

 

Not arguing just talking. Why do people say extremely prone to bending? 3 out of the 4 guys I shoot with have them with no issues. I have seen other people with them also. We have put them through animals and into dirt and continue to ise the same arrow. Was there a quality control issue for a period of time and now it's fixed, user error with extreme torque when pulling the arrow, bias in the statement, combination of all three?

 

What answer? That they aren't bent enough to effect anything? Not being a smart guy here just what are you considering bent. Do I need to put it on a dial and if it is a .003 tolerance arrow and is now .005 that is bent? If that's your definition I'm good with that just want to know what "extremely prone to bending" is.

 

Why don't you go spin them all and see for yourself. You should be doing this anyway if your planning on putting a broadhead on any of them. I think the FMJ's do have a place. They are much more consistent than any other carbon shaft. Most hunters are simply not nock tuning, so the typical shop tune will remain true through out the dozen of shafts even if based on one initial shaft. I think if a guy is going to only pull his bow out for hunting then these are a great option. However if your playing around with 3d and shooting into the dirt then you couldn't choose a worse shaft.

 

I love my 6MM FMJ no issues

 

OP I have the 6MM FMJ but I bought them because they were larger than other carbons and I like the aluminum outer for easy of pulling from my 3D target that gets the lions share of my shooting. This bag target is for arrow selection and setup only...........once I'm set up and happy with my arrows I move on to the foam for BH tuning and the 3D deer until season opens (unless I need to tweak or make a change or double check something).

I hated the first FMJ's I bought when they first came out. I was shooting a 415 grain TAW FMJ and I never bent one until season opened.......then I bend probably 3 out of 5..........lol. IMHO it was because at my spec's that 415 grain arrow started staying in the deer more often and that's what was bending them. The ones fortunate enough to miss anything hard and went through were fine and I still have a few of them today. I also hated that HIT insert setup.

The 6mm went through my bag target in the middle where it's shot up and the vanes were in the middle of the rage......couldn't pull it out couldn't pull it through........I probably should have disassembled the bag and cut the arrow out but I just grabbed it and pulled it through. It was HARD to pull.........very hard so hard I had to take the bag down and stand on it as I pulled and now that arrow has a slight wobble a the tip. So they do bend but IMHO they aren't fragile........but if you want 100% durability pick another arrow. For me it's pro's are worth the cons.

Once I'm tuned up the Matrix, the GT 22's, the old FMJ's, the 6mm FMJ's and even the old XX75's all do the same thing just slightly different........it's not about accuracy it's about what you want from an arrow and how you set it up that's key.

 

PS maybe I'll put it on the arrow straightener and see if I can fix that wobble.....the arrow still groups right with the others with a field tip.......so it's my test arrow now.........lol

 

Another thumbs up for ANY of the FMJ arrows if penetration is you #1 goal.
I'd not worry about them bending on you unless you are UNUSUALLY HARD on your arrows. Just treat them like you treat any other arrow and they will be fine.
Others I know that have or do use them have the same opinion locally. I've never heard a single negative word against them......other than online but the shaft that DOESN'T have negative reviews online does not exist. (IMO)

I used them a couple years and only switched because I didn't feel the weight was necessary for ONLY whitetail, which is all I have here, after I gave my remaining arrows to a friend going elk hunting. #payitforward.

If I was going Elk hunting, they would be the shafts I'd be fletching. No questions asked other than 6mm or 5mm, but honestly I don't think it would matter a tinker's d@mn, just would be a personal "I wanna try this diameter" kinda thing. Either would work awesome.
High FOC is a good thing but it's hardly mandatory. With or without, these arrows penetrate, period.....or at least did for me and do for those I know.

Just awesome shafts, IMO.......2 cents
God Bless.

 

For the 6mm arrow and others in the Easton line that are made of composite carbon. I had ordered the 6mm for fall deer hunting and the arrows where received within SPEC. After flexing and holding them for a little of time, say 4-5 seconds or so, they took a set of over .010 and more. In other words, much over they guarantee straightness. I returned the arrows without issue and order a different brand of carbon arrows. The new arrows did not take a set. The issue was in Aug. 2021 and maybe Easton has fixed the issue since.

I'm only saying, check your arrows for straightness.

 

You don't flex aluminum arrows or Carbon core............it's metal it WILL bend if you do that no doubt........if that's your way to choose arrows then they are a very poor choice for you. You flex carbons to see if they have cracks and are safe not to test durability.......wood, aluminum, carbon core or arrows like the FMJ should never be flexed like that.

So if you are looking for the toughest arrow and flexing them like that.....pure carbon is your only choice......but that doesn't make the others bad IMO.....just not what you are looking for.

 

I personally shoot the Axis but I know guys who shoot the FMJs I don’t think anything is wrong with them.I like to shoot targets a lot and I like to shoot far for practice which occasionally I’ll miss.I feel like the Axis is more durable in those situations but that’s just opinion.I would go with the lighter gpi FMJs and add weight up front and try to be around 485-510 range when all said and done for a good overall hunting setup that is still plenty fast,quiets the bow nicely,and penetrates well.