Easton FMJ 5mm
The FMJ 5mm remains the reference heavy-weight-forward elk arrow. The aluminium jacket adds real grains without going to a full 300-spine build, and the HIT insert takes broadhead alignment out of the argument. You pay for it.
What bowhunters actually say
If you’re smashing through bone or into the cambium of an oak tree, you’ll stand a better chance that your arrow will survive.
Scott Einsmann, Outdoor Life, on the Axis/FMJ family shaft wall thickness
Real specs
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| GPI by spine | 250: 11.5 / 300: 12.0 / 340: 11.3 / 400: 10.2 / 500: 9.1 |
| Spine options | 250, 300, 340, 400, 500 |
| Diameter | .204 inner, aluminium jacket over carbon |
| Straightness | +/- .002 (Match Grade +/- .001) |
| Weight tolerance | +/- 1 grain |
| Stock components | 5mm HIT insert 16 gr, 5mm X Nock 9 gr |
| MSRP per dozen | USD 220 to 380 per dozen depending on grade |
Field performance
Elk hunters build FMJ 340 with 100 grain brass HIT plus a 125 grain broadhead for 500 to 520 grain finished weight and 15 to 17 percent FOC. Whitetail shooters usually drop back to Axis 5mm at that draw weight because the FMJ can be over-arrowed for the range.
Common complaints
Cost per dozen is the loudest complaint on Rokslide and Archery Talk. The aluminium jacket also dents on hard target hits; a bent jacket does not always show up on a spinner but will still shed FOC.
Who should shoot it
Bowhunters chasing elk, moose, hogs, or bear where penetration mass matters more than 5 fps of speed.