Bow kinetic energy for big game

In order to determine the foot pounds of kinetic energy, it is best to use arrows that have the same grain measurement. When crossbow manufacturers are measuring their own crossbows, they usually use grain arrows. Crossbows often have a feet per second rating of to Arrows will exit the crossbow at an arc that eventually causes the arrows to drop.

The arc and drop will be affected by weather conditions, too. Most kinetic energy charts are drafted in the closed conditions of indoor ranges, so they are usually just estimates for what you will really get in the field.

Depending on the bow you use and the arrows you use, your kinetic energy could range from 30 foot pounds at 30 yards to almost foot pounds at 30 yards.

These numbers are dependent on the FPS of the crossbow. The higher the FPS, the higher the kinetic energy will be. As the arrow moves through space, the kinetic energy drops. So, the closer you can get to your target, the more kinetic energy your arrow will have. The grain of the arrow will also affect the kinetic energy.

The lighter arrows will have higher speeds, especially when they exit the crossbow. Keeping in mind that the kinetic energy drops as the arrow flies, the speed will decrease as the arrow gets closer to the target. I am planning on hunting deer, elk, and black bear.

So I think I should have a powerful bow. Answer: Arrow speed is dependent on a number of factors, only one of which is the draw weight of the bow. The draw weight of the bow can vary depending on a number of factors including draw length, and cam type. A moderate cam bow with draw weight of 55 lbs. Arrow weight will also affect arrow speed. The lighter the arrow, the faster it will come out of the bow.

However, a faster arrow will lose velocity at a more accelerated rate than a heavier arrow. In other words, a fast light arrow may be moving faster as it leaves the bow, but at 40 yards it may be slower than a heavier arrow out of the same bow.

Each are different, and your personal draw weight, length and cam type will most likely result in an arrow speed LESS than either of these standards. Much to consider. If you have ever shot arrows into different types of targets, you will notice that some targets stop arrows faster than others.

This is friction. An arrow fired with modern equipment will easily penetrate through the soft tissue and out the other side. On the other hand, if an arrow hits a shoulder bone significant friction is created.

This will likely kill the deer but make tracking and recovery a little more difficult since the blood trail will be lighter. There is also something to be said about having sharp blades. Every time your broad head passes through something, whether it is a target, an animal, or the ground, the blades become more dull.

I practice with field tips, but like to shoot a few broad heads before the season just to see how the arrows react with them. I usually keep those broad heads for the rest of the season but the arrow I nock first has fresh blades. I can always tell the difference by putting a lighted nock on this arrow. Most of the worries associated with kinetic energy and penetration stem from traditional archery equipment. Even traditional archers have plenty to work with as long as they limit the distance of their shots and hone their skills.

For compound archers, it comes down to arrow placement. Spend some quality time at the range and the mathematics will take care of itself.

My name is Jeff and I have been hunting and fishing for over 40 years. I am an avid archery lover, bass fisherman, and all-around outdoorsman.