In the right hands, a crossbow can be a powerful tool. It’s perfect for hunting, able to take down
large animals. Because of this, the crossbow is credited with getting a lot more people interesting in
hunting and archery.
The type of bolt that you are using with your crossbow is important. It will have a big role in
determining how accurately your shots will be. If you are hunting, it can determine whether or not
you land a kill shot. But how can you make sure that you are using the right bolt? Let’s look at some
of the things you need to know about choosing crossbow bolts.
Table of Contents
Length
It’s important to make sure that your crossbow bolt is the correct length. Typically, they will be
between 18 to 22 inches. However, to find the right height, you’ll need to check in the owner’s
manual. This will often tell you the ideal length for your crossbow.
If you want, you might be able to change the length that you are shooting slightly. The shorter the
bolt is, the stiffer it will be. This means that it will be able to penetrate the target more deeply. It will
also have less mass, allowing it to shoot faster. But, over a longer distance, the shorter bolts will lose
their velocity faster.
Weight
Next, you’ll need to think about how heavy or light you want the bolt to be. There is a wide array of
weights on the market. The ideal weight for you will often depend on the way that you intend on
using it. Lighter bolts will shoot faster and tend to have a flatter trajectory. This can make them ideal
for target shooting. However, a heavier bolt will have more force behind it. This is ideal for hunters,
giving them the best chance of getting a kill shot against the animal they are hunting. The heavier
bolts also tend to produce less noise when fired.
You might also want to think about where the arrow’s center of gravity is. This will determine how it
flies. It will also affect the amount of damage it does when it impacts an animal. If you are hunting,
you might want to look for something that has a forward center of gravity (FOC). This means that the
flight of the arrow will be guided more strongly by the fletching. It also ensures that there will be a
deeper penetration.
Finally, check the owner’s manual. It will often state the weight that the bow has been designed to
accommodate. You will be able to shoot heavier than this. But you can’t shoot lighter than the
recommended weight. If you do this, the crossbow will be producing too much force. After the
arrow is fired, the excess force will be turned into vibrational energy. This is similar to the effect
produced when the bow is dry fired. Because of this, you might end up voiding the warranty of your
bow.
Material
You’ll also want to think about what your bolts will be made from. Generally, you will have two
options to choose from. These are aluminum and carbon fiber. You might be able to find some
manufacturers that combine these materials. Both options have pros and cons.
Aluminum bolts are cheaper to produce, saving you money. They tend to last for a long time. But
they will be easier to bend than a carbon fiber bolt. Once a bolt is bent, it is no longer safe to use. As
a result, you’ll need to replace aluminum bolts more often.
Generally, carbon fiber bolts are more durable. They are more difficult to break. If you’re hunting,
carbon fiber will offer a more powerful penetration. However, there is a potential downside. Carbon
fiber arrows are more expensive than aluminum ones.
Nock
There are a few types of nocks that you might be able to use with a crossbow. This is the point that
the bolt will be attached to the string. This is important for the safety mechanism for the crossbow.
If the bolt isn’t nocked properly, the bow won’t fire. The type of nock that you will need to use will
depend on your crossbow. You’ll need to read through the owner’s manual. This will often specify
the type of nock that will need to be used with your bow.
Broadhead
The next thing that you’ll need to consider is the type of broadhead that your bow will be using. This
will have a big impact on the type of impact it will have when it strikes the target. This is especially
important when you are hunting. You need to find something that will be able to deliver a lot of
damage, so you’ll be able to kill the animal as quickly as possible.
There are plenty of broadhead options for you to consider. For example, you might want to get an
expandable broadhead. This has blades that are released when the arrow strikes the target. This
ensures that it will be burrowed deep in the animal. You can also try a fixed broadhead. Generally,
the right option will depend on the type of prey that you will be hunting.
Price
Lastly, you’ll need to consider how expensive the bolts will be. There is a wide range of prices on the
market. You might be able to find some that are cheaply made for under $20. But you can find
premium options that will cost over $100. How much you are prepared to pay for a bolt is up to you.
Generally, though, you’ll get what you pay for.
Conclusion
Crossbow bolts are one of the most important components to consider when choosing a bolt.
Hopefully, you now have a better idea of what you should be looking for. If you want more tips, and
to compare some of the most popular options, check out this helpful website:
https://outdoorsly.org/best-crossbow-bolts/
So, now you’ll be able to find the ideal bolt for your
crossbow and improve your performance.
