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Post by Russ Koon on Aug 23, 2015 11:10:07 GMT -5
Just curious if anyone has seen evidence/test results from using heavier bolts in crossbows.
I know the weight differences can produce very noticeable changes in trad bows and compounds with regards to shot noise levels, string longevity, penetration, and some other aspects.
I realize there would be a trade-off of speed for any gains in these other areas. I have never seen any comparisons done in advertising or u-tube vids using differing weights of bolts to determine the resulting effects on trajectory, speed, etc. I think it would be interesting and quite possibly useful in modifying the performance to fit the owner's personal preference and needs.
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Post by esshup on Aug 24, 2015 8:58:42 GMT -5
Russ, I went to a heavier weight when I switched to lighted nocks and that stopped the erratic groups.
A friends son did a penetration test using my crossbow and bolts for a science project. I have "inserts" that I can put in the bolts to make them heavier - screw them to the back side of the broadhead insert. He shot them into a fresh foam target that wasn't shot before - one bolt at each aiming dot. He did it 10 shots per bolt weight from the same distance, using a rest. IIRC 3 different weights. They are on vacation now, but I'll see if I can get his paper. The heavier bolts were quieter, and they did shoot slower (lower point of impact) but they also penetrated further.
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Post by Russ Koon on Aug 24, 2015 11:51:32 GMT -5
Thanks for the reply, esshup. Those results are pretty much what I suspected they would be, but I hadn't found any actual results that verified them yet, myself. It just seemed to me that all those things that occurred when heavier projectiles were used in vertical archery gear would be, if anything, even more pronounced in their effects on the crossbow.
I can understand how the western hunter might be more thrilled with increased speed and range, while us eastern WT hunters might get more benefit from increased penetration and reduced noise, and maybe some increase in string life.
Not back into crossbows yet, but I can see one being a possibility in my future. Just keeping an eye out for some info in advance at this point.
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Post by Jamie Brooks 1John5:13 on Aug 24, 2015 11:58:26 GMT -5
Russ, I went to a heavier weight when I switched to lighted nocks and that stopped the erratic groups. A friends son did a penetration test using my crossbow and bolts for a science project. I have "inserts" that I can put in the bolts to make them heavier - screw them to the back side of the broadhead insert. He shot them into a fresh foam target that wasn't shot before - one bolt at each aiming dot. He did it 10 shots per bolt weight from the same distance, using a rest. IIRC 3 different weights. They are on vacation now, but I'll see if I can get his paper. The heavier bolts were quieter, and they did shoot slower (lower point of impact) but they also penetrated further. This is the kind of data that I like to see. I've recently seen a line of broad-heads that has one at 150g. I haven't looked for a 150g field tip. I was wondering if this head would be suffer on penetration? |
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Post by dbd870 on Aug 24, 2015 14:45:16 GMT -5
I prefer a high FOC and arrow (or bolt were I to go with a crossbow) weight. The only thing one must keep in mind is spine weakens as point weight increases; now with bolts I don't know how fast that changes with change in tip weight.
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