Hello. Do crossbows and regular bows use the same broadhead? Are the crossbow specific broadheads just a gimmick?------------------------------------
Chapter 3: Bolts and Tips for a Good Kill
3.1 - Wooden Bolts
These bolts are flexible and strong but are more likely to break when faced with impact.
3.2 - Aluminum Bolts
These bolts are strong and lightweight, but they have the tendency to permanently bend when they hit a hard target. This could happen when a bolt hits bone in a deer.
3.3 - Fiberglass Bolts
These bolts are lighter offering more accuracy due to higher arrow speed. They can also take a beating and keep going. Fiberglass arrows will flex with impact making them much more durable than other types of bolts.
3.4 - Fixed Tips
Fixed tip points are the most common type for vertical bow hunters.
3.5 - Mechanical Tips
The ones I use are drawn in to the shaft with flares sticking out to catch the hide of the deer. This will then create a gash about three inches across so the animal dies quickly.
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Chapter 4: Get Ready for the Hunt - Practice Before That
4.1 - Do Not Over Practice
When I hunted with my vertical bow, I was practicing three times a week for months. Then I practiced five times a week the month before bow season. However, this is completely different with a crossbow.
It requires no draw strength, and stability is much easier because of your stock, balanced weight, and using both arms for stability.
In addition, bowstrings on crossbows will not last nearly as long as a vertical bow. You should practice just enough to sight in your scope and make some consistent shots.
4.2 - Care for Your Bowstring
4.3 - Use a Crossbow Target
- One way to care for your bowstring is to never fire your crossbow without a bolt present. This means you will need an unloading bolt to release the string when you are done deer hunting at the end of the day.
- Also, you should wax your entire bowstring and anywhere it comes in contact with the frame after every five shots. You can get bowstring wax online or at any archery shop.
- Finally, you may want to bring a backup bowstring just in case it starts to fray while you are hunting or practicing.
You will notice that most targets will be rated for either a vertical bow or a crossbow.
For crossbow deer hunting you want a target that is designed for both field tips and broadheads.
The wrong target will cause your broadheads to get stuck or possibly break.
Broadheads are not cheap, so take the time to purchase a target rated for both types of tips.
4.4 - Practice with Broadheads
While you should initially sight in your crossbow scope and get some practice rounds with field tips.
Field tips are ideal for most practice as they are easy to remove and there is no chance of cutting yourself. However, many broadheads will fly differently than field tips.
This is because of both weight and wind resistance. If you can, practice with field tips with the same weight as the broadheads you will use.
4.5 - Practice from Your Stand
Most people skip this step. However, practicing from your stand is important for several reasons.
One is that you will be shooting down on your target from a tree stand. This changes the distance and angle of your shot, so you will need to make adjustments for this type of shot.
Crossbow Deer Hunting (The Definite Guide)
- Thread starter Robert Gate
- Start date
yoderjac
Well-Known Member
You are right, but it is not the speed that is the issue. It is the short powerstroke compared to a compound. With a crossbow and compound that are equal speed. the stored energy is applied over a much shorter time with a crossbow than a compound. It is this initial shock that tends to open expandables that are designed for compounds.
Whether using a crossbow or compound, it is wise to test with the actual expandables on the range, rather than practice points, to ensure you don't get premature deployment. It is expensive as I only shoot a broadhead once before replacing either the blades or the entire broadhead before shooting at a deer. Once I've tested a specific model of broadhead with my bow, I'll then use practice heads for practice.
Drycreek
Well-Known Member
I guess I didn’t make myself clear that it’s not the speed but the “out of the hole” that makes the different.
yoderjac
Well-Known Member
Yep!
As a hunter, you know that the right equipment can make all the difference when it comes to a successful hunt. One of the most important pieces of equipment for any crossbow hunter is the bolt and tip. In this guide, we'll discuss the different types of bolts and tips available and how to choose the right ones for your needs.
Types of Bolts
Choosing the right bolt and tip is crucial for a successful hunt. Consider the game you will be hunting, the distance you will be shooting, and your budget when choosing your equipment. With the right equipment, you can increase your chances of a good kill and a successful hunt.
Types of Bolts
- Aluminum Bolts: These are the most common type of bolts used by hunters. They are lightweight, durable, and affordable. They are also easy to find in most hunting stores.
- Carbon Bolts: These are more expensive than aluminum bolts, but they are also stronger and more durable. They are also lighter, which means they travel faster and hit harder.
- Hybrid Bolts: These are a combination of aluminum and carbon. They are more expensive than aluminum bolts but less expensive than carbon bolts. They offer the best of both worlds in terms of strength, durability, and speed.
- Field Tips: These are the most common type of tips used by hunters. They are designed to be used for target practice and hunting small game. They are usually made of steel and are very sharp.
- Broadheads: These are designed for hunting larger game. They are much larger than field tips and are designed to cause more damage. They come in two types: fixed blade and mechanical.
- Blunt Tips: These are designed for hunting small game. They are not as sharp as field tips or broadheads, but they are designed to cause enough damage to kill small game.
- Consider the game you will be hunting. If you are hunting small game, you will want to use a lighter bolt with a field or blunt tip. If you are hunting larger game, you will want to use a heavier bolt with a broadhead tip.
- Consider the distance you will be shooting. If you are shooting at a close range, you will want to use a heavier bolt with a broadhead tip. If you are shooting at a longer range, you will want to use a lighter bolt with a field or blunt tip.
- Consider your budget. Carbon bolts and broadheads can be expensive, so if you are on a tight budget, you may want to consider using aluminum bolts with field or blunt tips.
Choosing the right bolt and tip is crucial for a successful hunt. Consider the game you will be hunting, the distance you will be shooting, and your budget when choosing your equipment. With the right equipment, you can increase your chances of a good kill and a successful hunt.
yoderjac
Well-Known Member
Just a few notes:
1) Aluminum bolts (for vertical or crossbows) can get slight creases in them. When they do, it can significantly impact arrow flight.
2) Carbon bolts may or may not be lighter. This means they or may not be faster. As for hitting harder, KE=M * V ^2. The material of the shaft is not a factor. Carbon bolts and arrows are straight or broken. They generally don't have the condition where they arrow seem straight but is not.
3) We also need to consider nocks, and fletching when selecting a bolt. When choosing a tip, weight is a factor and it needs to be matched to the shaft. This also affect FOC which can impact arrow flight. Physical size can also be a factor when choosing a broadhead. Larger fixed broadheads can try to steer the arrow degrading accuracy.
