Crossbow Limb Failures: Part 2 - Arrow Weight

Crossbow limb failures (and crossbows breaking in general) is a common theme with today's high speed, high performance crossbows. In Ep 2 of our series, we're going to discuss how arrow (or bolt) weight plays a role in crossbow limb failures. On this topic, I have to give credit to Rich at Death By Bunjie. He did a FANTASTIC video on this topic and put actual numbers into his explanation. We're going to do the same and discuss once again WHY ARROW WEIGHT MATTERS!
Death By Bunjie Arrow Weight Video: • Will HEAVY ARROWS Save...
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[@homeinthewhiteoaks]

Great Video If someone has problems understanding why 5% can make a difference imagine loading a 270win to 3100fps with a 130gr bullet (standard warm load) then add 5% more velocity. That's 3255fps and there is a good chance that your going to start popping primers, or splitting cases. The crossbow is the same that last 5% of speed is at the edge, and can wreck a crossbow just like another 5% speed added to your favorite rifle load may damage your gun. (burning out a chamber throat or worse)

[@draggindeeroutdoors]

Thank you! Great analogy 👍

[@chrisruzsa2798]

I been following you for a bit i saw your limb breaking video a couple years back (wow time flies) like i tell people no heavy arrows will not “save” your limbs but it will extend your limbs. So if you have a crossbow that is breaking limbs every couple years with under 100 shots (because you do not shoot much) a heavier setup will get you closer to a thousand shots. Limbs will still break just like a car you will need repairs and maintenance. So the harder you drive your car the sooner you will need the regular maintenance such as breaks and tire replacements. Well the harder you work your bow or in this case crossbow with light setups the sooner you will need to do repairs. And really having a crossbow last several thousand shots is pretty realistic life expectancy for limbs. Under a hundred or around a hundred is pretty pathetic and unreliable.

[@draggindeeroutdoors]

Lots of benefits to a heavy arrow!

[@stevefowler7319]

Matt outstanding video! Keep up the great work

[@draggindeeroutdoors]

Thank you, Steve! Much appreciated!

[@jamesnix4805]

Matt, as always great content. I think we all jumped on the speed bandwagon and I believe that it has it's place. However, if gaining 50 fps but acquiring the extra noise and vibration to the bow only gains you a few feet closer to the moving animal in panic mode, then you haven't gained much at all. If the bow is quiet you might not be as fast but at least stand the same chance. Also, 350 fps with 500 gns is still more lethal than any compound bow I have seen. Lastly, less noise means more efficient as both you and Rich state. Continue to put out great and honest content.

[@draggindeeroutdoors]

Much appreciated my friend! Please keep me posted on all your arrow testing and learnings 👍

[@chrisruzsa2798]

I agree with all this except a vertical bow is always going to be more efficient and effective as a weapon than crossbow. If someone’s vertical is not as deadly or more deadly than a crossbow they have a serious setup problem.

[@jaybaughman4640]

I went through 3 sets of limbs on my KI SWAT X1 using an almost 600 grain set up. None of the limbs lasted even close to 100 shots. The final straw was the limbs exploding while I sat in a tree hunting. That company sucks. Buying a KI is one of the biggest mistakes I have EVER made.

[@draggindeeroutdoors]

I'm sorry to hear that, Jay. My experience has been very different from yours, but I totally get your frustration. I hope you've found a bow you're confident in.

[@one-eyedarcher]

Great video Matt! Agree, Rich did a great job with the video series!

[@draggindeeroutdoors]

Always appreciate your support, Jim! Thank you.

[@masterofmanythings1]

I like rich. Especially because he teaches his daughter. Great info from both of you

[@draggindeeroutdoors]

Thank you!!

[@oleskoolhunter5081]

Awesome great video very informative going with heavier bolt more kinetic enery in bolt taking more stress off of limbs that will work for me

[@draggindeeroutdoors]

Glad ya liked it 👍👍

[@kennethcleary298]

Thanks for this video

[@draggindeeroutdoors]

You’re welcome! 👍

[@glennl9630]

Another Great Video!

[@draggindeeroutdoors]

Thank you!!

[@jeffhays1968]

Just got a Barnett STS 400+ FPS bow. Sirius 22 inch bolts came in, lighted nocks came in, ranch fairy multi weight field point testing kit is coming. Plan on using Tuffead single bevels when they get back in stock and weight will be what the results are with the multi weight field point tests. I am thinking bolts will end up around 600 grains give or take. Looking forward to a new skill as I can't pull a vertical bow at my old draw weight (65 lbs)

[@draggindeeroutdoors]

That setup is going to be phenomenal! Have fun with your arrow build.

[@DIRTISTERRIBLE]

I'm 35 and healthy as a horse. I could pull back 85# vertical bow if I wanted to. But I use a crossbow. To me life is to short to practice all the time with a compound like I used to.

[@jeffhays1968]

@@DIRTISTERRIBLE Choices are good, and I just can't quickly and quietly pull a 65 lb bow any more. Almost 70 so it ain't happening. And, to top it off, one state I will be licensed for crossbow says once you get the papers you can NEVER EVER use a regular bow again the rest of your life ! Seems kinda harsh to me ! In my state I get to use a crossbow without a Doctor note of disability because of my age. No restriction on switching back and forth either. Every state has their own crazy ass rules on everything.

[@leoborden7216]

I have been watching all of your videos witch are great bi the way.Do you think that Ki watches these videos and start to send heaver bolts with there crossbow packages.

[@draggindeeroutdoors]

Glad you've been enjoying these! Ya know its tough for manufacturers...some people want speed, some people want the benefits of heavier arrows. KI did a great job offering the HYPR KE arrow, to me that's there way of making sure there is a KI offering for everyone.

[@wcwcgarner2717]

My stock bolts are 390 grains I up them to the victory x bolts 425 grains. It made my crossbow more quite and more accurate.

[@draggindeeroutdoors]

Excellent! Victory makes great stuff!

[@pointer1386]

I'm thinking about buying a KI diesel x or Vital x and in you're opinion would you advise getting 500 grain arrows before the first shot? I'm only interested in deer and hog hunting setups.

[@draggindeeroutdoors]

500 grain setup is what I shoot and has worked well with both those crossbows

[@masterofmanythings1]

Im ordering a diesel x in a few days and will start with bolts at about 550 grains. I won't shoot even 1 of the stock bolts 😂

[@draggindeeroutdoors]

Diesel is a sweet bow, 550 will do very well!

[@pensnut08]

I just upped the weight on my arrows that I use in my CP400 from 495 grains to 550 grains. 1) I IMMEDIATELY noticed that they were more accurate. Shooting at different dots they were pretty much hitting at the same point on the dot (7 o'clock). 2) Definitely more quiet. 3) The arrows hit the target with a noticeably louder "THUMP". I was shooting field points into a new Sevr target with a section of horse stall mat in front on that and a piece of cardboard with my bright orange target dots on that. Great penetration. The Horse stall mat can be a real PITA to pull arrows back through lol

[@draggindeeroutdoors]

That’s awesome! 550 is a really good setup. Best of luck this fall

[@jeffgilbert2763]

I wonder if all the silencers that are added to crossbow strings, limbs , etc. were to be taken off and just added weight to the bolts would be better in every aspect of the speed, vibration and acuracy of your bolt shot? Let me know. interference seems to be the whole problem after all the human stupid errors have been taken care of. Just asking.