5 Reasons You Should NOT Use HEAVY ARROWS With Your CROSSBOW!

Last week's video was "5 Reasons YOU Should Use HEAVY ARROWS With Your CROSSBOW!" This week's video, for your consideration, is five reasons why you should NOT use heavy arrows as a crossbow hunter. Okay, perhaps more accurately, five things to consider before jumping into the heavy arrows. There are trade-offs with everything, after all!
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Twitter? @deathbybunjie
This is a channel about crossbow hunting. This is not a channel about shooting big bucks. I don't discriminate--I'll shoot any legal deer. ;) But, sometimes, big bucks happen!
I want to help make KZbin the #1 place for quality hunting entertainment. I want to help spread the hunting lifestyle. To do that, I set up this channel to showcase the crossbow and help others film their hunts and get those videos online. So, subscribe to this channel to be entertained and learn more about crossbows and filming in the outdoors.
This channel is about my love of the crossbow, hunting, and the outdoors. I hunt exclusively with the crossbow. I love it. Sure, like a lot of kids, I started hunting with a good ol' Model '94 Winchester .30-30 back in the 80's, but drifted away from hunting when I went off to college, law school, and started a family. As my daughter got older, I regained my interest in the outdoors, and I consider myself lucky to hunt on the same property today that I hunted on as a kid. I got the Excalibur Axiom crossbow in 2010 and I haven't looked back. This channel is the result of combining my interest in filming and hunting...
...and music, too! My related channel, Yankee Militia, showcases my music. Some of the music is hunting-related, so check that out, too! The soundtrack for this channel is provided by my band, so the two are intertwined. The albums "Live Free or Kill" and "Zombies Gotta Eat, Too!" are available on Amazon.com and elsewhere. A third album is in the works.
All Hail Bunjie!
--Rich Wilson, Death by Bunjie

[@JustAnOldMan]

the faster they make the crossbow, the heavier minimum weight goes up

[@Deathbybunjie]

depends...the more the draw weight goes up, that might be true, but some crossbows like my Scorpyd have low draw weights (150lbs) and still shoot over 400 fps. I think it's crossbow efficiency that really determines that. Check out the efficiency article and calculator on deathbybunjie.com for details on that. bit.ly/3A6LE9D

[@mattdotson3165]

I am a compound bow hunter an I m going to be crossbow hunting for the first time next year. I have been told that with the new crossbows you should shoot heavier bolts to absorb so.e of the vibration from the bow or you could end up with snapped or broken limbs. I dont know if it is true or not but any insight would be appreciated. Love your videos an appreciate everything you do.

[@charleschamberlain53]

@@mattdotson3165 what crossbow did you get?

[@mattdotson3165]

@@charleschamberlain53 I have not picked up my crossbow yet. But i m looking at the patriot 425 or something alobg those lines on the lower end cause i dont know if i am going to like crossbow hunting. Like I said I m a compound bow guy but I have been having problems with my shoulder an dont want to give up archery hunting

[@mattdotson3165]

@@kurtglo I went with the same arrow set up except I m using 125 grain magnus stinger buzzcut 2 blade

[@jeffcopenhaver2217]

I started shooting heavier arrows with expandable broadheads in my crossbow many moons ago when I stepped up to a larger cut. My thinking was heavier arrow, wider cut, better penetration. Not only did it tighten my groups, but it quieted/less vibration my crossbow considerably. No complaints from me across the board. Max leakage and full freezers. Happy, happy, happy!

[@Deathbybunjie]

I like a heavier arrow, bigger cut combo too!

[@thorwaldjohanson2526]

I'm a compound bow guy, but I'm sure the physics are the same. The crucial thing is to match arrow weight and stiffness to the draw weight / power stroke of your bow. In general, the heavier the arrow, the more energy gets transfered, however, there are deminishing returns, and there's an optimal balance.

[@charlesstiles8904]

I don't use heavy bolts for pass-through. I use them to save my limbs. When I say heavy I mean 480 to 500 grains total weight. The average crossbow bundle comes with bolts that are around 340 grains and normally people use a 100 grain broadhead. So 440 is basically the average weight. In my opinion that's just too light for a bow that has 200lb of draw. KILLER INSTINCT Are you listening??

[@clintoncampbell236]

I just got a killer instinct firey 400 from a friend as a Christmas 🎄 gift. I’ve been reading and watching everything I can , multiple people have said that to lessen the likelihood of limb snapping to use 500 gr bolt and head total weight. So I’m asking your opinion is 500 a max number or can you say get up around 600 ? Brand new to this so if I sound ignorant, rest assured I am lol.

[@ThePadutch]

Here in Missouri, we have open season on doe's throughout the entire bow and firearm season, with doe tags being $7 each and you can buy and fill as many tags as you have money for. I have brought down not less than 2 doe's every year for the last 5 years and this year have 3 and we haven't gone half way through the season yet. My point is, I don't know squat about hunting and am in it for the meat, not the horns. I've always been an excellent marksman with a rifle and handgun so I used that to my benefit with a crossbow. Started with a cheap recurve and moved up to a 370 FPS Bear Karnage. What hasn't changed is the cheap, $30 per dozen Chinese 20" bolts I buy on ebay! I fit them with Rage mechanical broadheads. Every year these cheap bolts have performed just fine and if I break or loose one the only regret I harbor is for the broadhead. lol My point is, as you say, if it works, why change it?

[@humbledb4jesus]

there is a video about modern crossbows splintering...he put forth that the recommended bolt weight is the absolute minimum and shooting at that minimum still has some extraneous forces turning back into the limbs causing the splintering... he recommends going up to 450 grains and he even went up over 500 grains. these will dissipate those forces through the arrow and not the bow itself... plus raising the momentum just means the bolts are gonna go deeper...

[@michaelfryeii8466]

I love your videos finely someone talking and teaching about crossbows. Most people talk bad about them . Thank you keep them coming.

[@garrykingmusic]

Just got into this mate! In the country side in Europe. Thanks for all the videos and work, helps us out a lot and keep em coming

[@JoseDiaz-rh2vp]

I am getting into crossbow hunting so I can get a head start during archery season before the intense hunting pressure of rifle season. I have learned a ton of info about crossbows from watching your channel. Thanks a lot. "All hail Bunjie".

[@Deathbybunjie]

That's great, good luck!

[@jordancruz8591]

Love the videos! I got my first crossbow whitetail kill a few days ago on the maiden voyage with my CP Sniper 370. I got a mature doe on public land my first day into the woods since coming home. Thanks for all your content! It has helped out tremendously for this newbie to crossbows.

[@Deathbybunjie]

Thats great congrats!

[@jordancruz8591]

@@Deathbybunjie I took your advice in an earlier video and was running the Rage Hypodermics. It performed phenomenally despite shooting her a bit further forward. I shot clean through a rib and got a pass through, but one blade broke off and the other bent a bit. Still devastating enough to put her down in 50yds though

[@HeadtoTailBBQCooking]

Enjoyed both videos! I like to see both sides and then determine which way to go. 👍🏻

[@MtKayak1]

Thank you D B B. I totally agree with all your comments. I prefer using a fixed BH. If it is not broke , don't fix it. Thank you again and good luck in your deer hunting adventures.

[@williamrevill5844]

I just watched your vid on not using heavy arrows. Season opened on the 3rd and I have two in the freezer. I am not using the stock arrows but I am using the same weight arrow as stock. You are 100% right, If it ain't broke don't fix it. Later guys, Headed for the woods. Good luck to all this season. Bill

[@michaelsanborn255]

Both of your videos are filled with good information. Especially like someone like me just getting into crossbow hunting.

[@dheller777]

Your reasoning is very sound. Thanks for sharing!

[@bd7281]

Recently came across your KZbin videos and subscribed to your channel. Thanks for the great info! Have been a hunter for 25-30 years, but just started with Crossbow this year. Like that you use an Excalibur X-bow as that is what I settled on as well (G340) - not a knock on any other brands before the mob pile on - I just appreciate the simplicity of the recurve vs. cams and not having to take it to the archery shop to get tuned/adjusted. I’ve settled on a slightly heavier arrow setup 431.8 gr (total with a 150 gr fixed blade Boltcutter BH) vs. the Excalibur “stock” arrow weight of 350 gr. Again, just prefer the additional kinetic energy and stability that combo brings and simplicity of the fixed blade. Lastly - yeah, new arrows can get expensive. Most of the newer Excalibur arrows are made by Black Eagle - a company out of Georgia. You can order direct from Black Eagle and get mostly “custom” arrows (insert, length, nock, etc.) for a lot less $$. I got 6 arrows from Black Eagle for the same price of 3 Excalibur/Black Eagle arrows direct from Excalibur or at Cabelas. Good luck out there this Fall. I’m back in the stand this Friday for my second trip out with a crossbow this season!

[@markmidkiff7048]

Appreciate your videos. Unfortunately im late to the game with a crossbow. But a your videos and passion for it, make it look soooo fun and challenging that it inspired me to buy one a few weeks ago!!! Thanks for getting me up to speed on all the necessities.

[@Deathbybunjie]

Good luck 👍

[@takoda9672]

Another awesome video. I am getting ready for 09/11/21, which is the first day of bow season in GA.

[@Deathbybunjie]

Awesome, good luck down there!

[@liquiddreamification]

I just bought my first used crossbow. I know nothing about them. But bullets are getting hard to find at the moment. I really look forward to learning all about it. Good vid thank you for taking the time to make it.

[@babyreps365]

two great videos in a row..... subscribed

[@leveraction767]

I am at the end. This was a SOLID explanation and I cannot argue with you. Why? .... Because you are right. :) As long as the bow can take it.

[@silence6408]

Yeah, I use piledrivers with buzzcut stingers. The piledrivers are 542 grain, and the buzzcuts are 100-150(I have buzzcuts of each weight) grain and fixed blade. (I have some lighter arrows, and some deadringer hyperstrikes I intend to experiment with as well) I set my crossbow up for Survival and SHTF, so being able to hit harder, while also increasing the reusability of my tackle is adventageous. I take the same crossbow hunting as well.

[@Moe-mj7eq]

Rich every time I watch one of your videos it makes me want to get into crossbows. Keep up the educational videos 👍👍👍

[@HellfrozeoverDitto-lj1rm]

Get your wallet ready, I pick up tips, bolts, draw back string and clothes today, it was 348.00. I was like I’m going to be doing a lot of hunting.

[@MiltonSokolovich]

It for sure isnt light on the wallet this hobby sport life style is not for the broke people

[@tomgodzik4721]

I'm going with fixed broadheads for 2021 archery season with my new Tenpoint Titan M1 crossbow. Great video.

[@ellobo1326]

Try QAD Exodus. They are awesome.

[@boomerrangerron]

Lots of great information as always Rich! I hope I’m not trying to fix what’s not broken with my new heaviest arrow combo the Bloodsport Witness and 125 GR RAGE Hypodermic Extreme! But we shall soon see! 🎯🦌

[@Deathbybunjie]

Good deal, good luck, Ron, hope you get a deer with the Jackyl!

[@maverick7873]

light arrow you can break the limbs of recurve bow, compound bow or crossbow, not too heavy but also not too light

[@arranbrown5812]

👌

[@racksonable]

My son had always wanted one of these to hunt with. He loved it. Very powerful units and once sighted the unit was spot on accurate.

[@oldgrumpyhunter]

Good information Rich.

[@leveraction767]

Stopping again to mention your point about distance and shot selection. Yo are 100% on point and nobody has said it better...although many have said the same. It isnt about speed. It is about reaction time (for the animal - worst case) and the bow speed.

[@Cloneofaclone]

Love the content! When is the Bungie Jr. channel starting?!

[@Deathbybunjie]

Lol I don't know but it keeps racking up the deer haha

[@kevinr5187]

You sure are good about talking about crossbows. Thanks for sharing.

[@Deathbybunjie]

Lol thanks for listening

[@gregstabryla9945]

Glad you told me to wait til this week's video. Feeling confident about using my regular set-up, as usual. Can't see getting better results for deer by spending more money to go along with a fad. I'm sure heavy helps some people. Mine isn't broke!

[@Deathbybunjie]

Great to hear! good luck!

[@twooldguyswithcrossbows5170]

I agree if it works well why change it! I like my setup and it is working great I did change to a hybrid broadhead as suggested by the bear outfitter I used he suggested I try the Muzzy Trocar HBX in 125 gr for my Excalibur which usually uses 150 gr the Muzzy is a four blade cutting broadhead two fixed blades at one inch cut and two mechanical blades that cut at 2 5/8 inches with none of the blades are spring loaded so basically no release failure in flight! But this is what I like and will keep liking for sometime I think lol

[@crazy8acres651]

Enjoyed the video.

[@mussersbowsboatsandscience6610]

Another masterpiece!

[@tonytiger7938]

I'm new to deer hunting and took my first 2 deer with my rifle last season. My wife ordered me a crossbow that should arrive today (yay!) so I can extend my season a couple months in my region (Archery begins in August, Gun begins the Saturday before Thanksgiving). I really appreciated this video as a new archer who knows little. Your tone, thoughtfulness and reasoning along with your voice is very calming and helpful.

[@Deathbybunjie]

Thank you, very nice to hear, good luck out there and ask me any questions! I'll do my best, not like I know everything but I sure will try to help you out. I love this stuff and I'm glad you do too.

[@Kalishir]

@Deathbybunjie The man still answering messages within 4h on a 3year old video. I really appreciate the real interest you put into helping everyone out in this hobby, you are awesome ! Thank you!

[@tonytiger7938]

​@@Deathbybunjie - Thanks so much. I can't afford a crossbow case yet, and don't even know whether I should get a case, a soft case or a hard case. My hunting spot is the back 2 acres of wooded land behind my home so I'm not really traveling, but could at some point. Storage space is precious around my home so I'm wondering if folks just hang them on the wall somewhere?

[@Deathbybunjie]

@tonytiger7938 Bunjie hangs on the wall when not in use! Totally a good idea.

[@underdogoutdoors]

Fully agree with both video's, I went to Black Eagle Zombie Slayers because I liked the packaging.

[@Deathbybunjie]

Lol sounds like me, those main hunters have a cool logo lol. It's supposed to be fun, nothing wrong with that!

[@Jerry0153A]

My first crossbow had similar arrow speeds to Bungie and I too used mechanicals. My new crossbow speed was too fast for my mechanicals as they frequently opened during flight and flew erratic. Very aggregating. Switched to a smaller diameter fixed broadhead and that was reasonably accurate. There is my 2 cents. Really enjoy your videos!!!

[@ozark_trapper]

Hi i got out of deer hunting several yrs ago. My old xbow was 305 fps. I am looking at a wicked ridge crossbow invader 400. It says 400 fps . What is the max speed on mechanical broadheads? I wanting to shoot a good carbon bolt with lighted knock. Is Annihilator broadheads made for x bow? I have several packages of old stock Rocket broadheads 125 gr steelhead and hammerheads 100gr. I know i will have too buy new broadheads. Your xbow season is only 37 days? Our season opens in September goes out February 28th.

[@randr10]

@@ozark_trapper If you get broadheads specifically designed for crossbows you don't have to worry about a limit on speed. I've had great results with the Rage Crossbow X on my 415 fps crossbow. Only thing you might need to look into is if you get one of the latest 500 fps bows. Not sure if testing has been done on those.

[@callmebigfoot8884]

Hi Rich, I found this channel last fall while I was on the market for a crossbow your videos were extremely helpful for me to choose the right crossbow for me and keep it maintained in top shape I settled on a whitetail hunter 2, victory bolts with brass inserts and muzzy trocar hbx hybrid broadheads, that set up can hit a tennis ball every time at 45 yards.

[@Deathbybunjie]

Awesome! Ready for action!

[@strikeforcek9149]

That's a really nice bow. I ran the same one for a while before upgrading. Extremely accurate out to 60yds (although I wouldn't take an ethical shot past around 45yds, only limited by my own confidence of course. That bow will down whitetail easily up to 65yds+).

[@callmebigfoot8884]

@@strikeforcek9149 yeah it's only the third reticle on the scope but the hybrids slow the arrow down enough that's as far as I'm comfortable shooting at a deer plus it's about my max shot distance around here and the deer aren't used to being hunted during archery season on the property so they're less nervous and shouldn't be jumping the string as much I hope.

[@rayduckett239]

This video answered my question.

[@luckynorm100]

I love it life is too short to tune fixed blade broadheads, I agree 100%

[@leveraction767]

O.K. .. here I come! LOL. First of all.. I have listened to the entire video. Excellent. I will parse my responses.

[@raymondcava4669]

Excellent video rich.

[@raymondcava4669]

You bring up some excellent perspective. Very informative I thought it was pretty funny at first when you said you can hear the people typing. Yes I’m from the heavy Arrow point of View. I should 20 yards and less and only have black bears. There are no deer to speak of in my area. But no mechanical as of yet. And I don’t plan to.Like my brother would say 100 good ways of doing things. Lots of laughs. Take care keep up the good work

[@Deathbybunjie]

yep more than one way to skin a cat, lol. thanks and thanks for watching.

[@scottchesher5296]

I love all your videos they’re all good I shoot light and heavy depending on what I’m hunting birds I tend to shoot like except for turkeys but larger game heavy

[@BackyardBroadheads]

Sound quality is nice on this video, no echo The big room helps

[@leveraction767]

In my experience (a lot!) You can tune an out of spine arrow set (but of heavier FOC) as well as a tighter spine arrow set (with lower FOC) to a same degree. That said... With all being equal .... you should not proceed in detriment to the gap between yardages for the sake of anything other than the bows longevity.

[@tylermoody1370]

Where can I buy your book I’m a new crossbow hunter and like all the info you have in your videos and curious about how much more I can learn

[@aaronmeeks1155]

I use a Morrell yellowjacket target, from Walmart with no problem with stopping the bolts, also I use the black eagle 16" .001 bolts out of my micro 355

[@mikeguy9668]

I shoot around 480 grain with single bevel broadheads and my average track now is 40 yards and thats even going through shoulder joints. Now when I was hunting light and with mechanicals and even fixed blades, I was tracking 100+ yards, and couldn't take alot of shots ethically. Shooting a little on the heavy side kills much faster and is by far more ethical to take an animal with. My opinion

[@raymondcava4669]

Thank you for the video Rich you always bring up different points of view that’s great. I don’t use mechanicals, have you ever had deflections as the Broadhead goes through the deer? What I mean is hitting the deer and the shot not going straight through to the other side but rather getting deflected in any number of direction? Do your mechanical broadheads or others lock in place so the blade does not swivel upon hitting something hard i.e. bone, rib. Again I have never use mechanicals but when the entry or the exit hole is wider than your Broadhead something is going on that might not happen as often on a fixed broadhead. Out of all the deer you shot with mechanicals have you had the deflections happened to your Arrow flight. Good luck shopping for your new crossbow. I’m looking forward to see what you’re going to get. I have my eyes set on the 360 assassin if I replace my vortex 330.Have a great day Rich.

[@Deathbybunjie]

Never had one deflect off the deer, but they definitely turn slightly in the deer sometimes, doing all kinds of damage. Some do lock in place but mine don't... they're held open by forward movement.

[@raymondcava4669]

@@Deathbybunjie thank you for the feedback.

[@leveraction767]

The biggest reason for using solid broadheads (when shooting really heavy) is that the M.O. tends to sheer the blades off expandables. I have done this in testing a LOT. Even my beloved Spitfires lost blades at 800 grains plus, when shot at 300 fps

[@yakingpatton1347]

I keep using what I have for 3 years. Cant change a thing or ill be all screwed up. Lol Great video Rich!

[@Deathbybunjie]

stick with what works, good luck!

[@hisechapman1165]

Hysterical! while your intro was playing... I WAS TYPING :) :) :) ... nevermind, I'll go back to watching....

[@coolguy2789]

Dude awesome video. Great production skillz!! Quick question.. how do you make the arrows glow when flying? Im a newb sorry

[@Deathbybunjie]

Thanks, look at Burt Coyote Lumenok, there are others but that's my favorite

[@MichaelLakota-vc4tk]

Thank you for the dead on info! I hope more people will study and experimenting with that information! Obviously everyone has their own setup and options and opinions including myself. But if you can’t listen learn and come to the “best “setup for your hunting….well I just don’t know what to say

[@Deathbybunjie]

I agree, I always try to learn from other people and other situations even if I don't agree with them. I'm not perfect at that but I do try.

[@HondoTrailside]

The traditional archers I have hung out with since the 70s were always adamant about heavy arrow weight, and it made sense. They basically had a slow moving string, the heavier the arrow was, the more energy it would pick up from the string. Back then tree stands were just starting to figure into archery, and downward shots were felt to need all the energy you could get. Today, some of these guys are the greatest archery hunters to have walked the earth in the modern archery mode. They know what they can, and can't get away with. What are they doing? Well some are in their 80s, and they can only manage 30 lbs bows, and 300 grain arrows, doing maybe 150-160 fps. They put down every deer that makes the mistake of walking down their trail. That oldster setup is one of those "what driver does Tiger Woods use" questions, not a recommendation for the rest of us. Do 60 years hunting with a longbow, and we can talk about it. However a setup that shoots a 400 grain arrow, out of a 40 pound bow, is something a lot of strapping young archers have adopted, when I started we all wanted a 70 pound bow, and a 550 grain arrow... So if you are cruising a 600 grain arrow at 300+ fps. Or a 400 grain arrow at 500 fps, there isn't really an issue at either end of that spectrum (issues around scopes duly noted). That doesn't mean they aren't fun to play with.

[@thorwaldjohanson2526]

Yeah, modern crossbows or compounds have absolutely no issue with penetration. The weight of the arrow does not really matter anymore. What matters is shot placement and thus accuracy. For longer distance, a lighter arrow is faster and thus flatter shooting, which can make a big difference when one misjudged the distance to the target.

[@leveraction767]

Watching again after 9 months. I am having a running debate on a large crossbow forum about this subject. It basically has come down to everyone on the light side having only 1 truth and that is that the trajectory gap is less with the lighter arrow. They dont want to even get into the fact that to get that one upside, you have to reduce 5 factors of positivism which comes with a heavier arrow. While this debate will likely go on for a very long time (as most are deer hunting only) the facts will never change. There are more upsides with a heavier arrow than there are with a lighter arrow. :D

[@moosejcthunter5686]

Like the video. Can't agree with you more. Ain't broke, don't fix it!

[@neabowhunters8107]

Won’t take long with light arrows on new crossbows and you will be broke and fixing it!

[@Deathbybunjie]

Not sure where that comes from--I've heard the new micros have limb problems due to manufacturing defects, but not due to using what the manufacturer recommends...hmmmmmm...

[@Deathbybunjie]

Thanks @Moose Jct hunter, and hope you're getting out there to hunt some! not just work lol.

[@neabowhunters8107]

@@Deathbybunjie Not just Excalibur all brands with these newer narrower bows with lighter arrows are blowing limbs everyday. I’m a member of 5 different crossbow groups and every day there are at least 5 per page of limbs giving way.... not saying one is right or wrong I personally shoot 520grain from bear intense and still get 320fps so I’m golden I think. I like the carbon express juggernaut arrows 520 grains with a 100grain head. Love the channel btw I watch every episode.

[@moosejcthunter5686]

@@Deathbybunjie no shortage of work here. Have about 15hrs in the tree so far. Not nearly enuff, but should get in a couple sits in the next few days.

[@HellfrozeoverDitto-lj1rm]

I just got a crossbow and I love that I can use my foot to help with the draw back. I’m not strong enough to draw a regular bow, thank you for all you share. I feel intimidated when I ask questions, I guess because I’m a woman.

[@Deathbybunjie]

Ask away, my daughter doing great with crossbow, it's fun stuff! Good luck!

[@HellfrozeoverDitto-lj1rm]

@@Deathbybunjie Can I use the pink insulation boards for a practice block? I have a bunch of extra boards just sitting around.

[@johngarnergarner6724]

This is a great perspective. As someone who hunts with both crossbow and compound, I would say that when hunting with a compound it is best to shoot a heavier arrow. With most crossbows I don't think it's particularly helpful to shoot an extremely heavy arrow. With my set up I am shooting a 420 to425 grain arrow and am still getting 390 fps per second. That just generates a tremendous amount of kinetic energy. For example, last year I killed a buck that weighed about 180 pounds and was perhaps no more than twenty yards away. The arrow blew through the deer and I found it embedded about six inches deep in a log. I couldn't pull it out. With today's crossbows you just don't need a heavy arrow. I also use Rage Hypodermic broadheads and they fly like darts.

[@Deathbybunjie]

400 to 450 is awesome I think, congrats on the buck

[@turtleman5111]

I only disagree with the price of heavier arrows. I went up to Easton's XX75 Magnums(aluminum), and I LOVE them. Complete passthrews since. They were $5 apiece, w/60 grn inserts+ 100 gn head weighed 498-502. And I use mechanicals. Practicing w/my G5 Montecs, they were all high right. Now, I do use Toxics, but they fly true.

[@45auto]

Looking at getting into crossbow hunting and was wondering if there is a yearly guide to crossbows for the beginner. I will be ground hunting and mostly whitetail, pig, and (hopefully) elk in the future. Can't afford super expensive but I don't want junk either.

[@jimcox9999]

I agree have a new RM405 factory bolts 20"CE pile driver 442 grain w/ 100 gr point included. Not happy with the carbon express pile driver at all.

[@theuniqueoutdoorsman8952]

My Crossbow is 185lbs at 370fps, so my arrows need to be heavy, plus I'm going to hunt Moose as well as deer. I'm a fellow Pennsylvanian in Dauphine County.

[@Deathbybunjie]

MOOOOOOSEE! Good luck! that' great.

[@strikeforcek9149]

I always thought the early heavy arrow thing, with really high FOC, was more for compound guys or guys with older really slow bows (for more kinetic energy and more trauma to the shot for higher percentage of kills). I personally shoot 450-500gr arrows on my same style crossbow - 175lb 370fps. I don't know if that's really considered 'heavy' or not though, because I always assumed that was average. HOWEVER - my theory is this: get really, Really, REALLY lethal with your bow and practice high tension shots and every scenario you can over and over as much as you can. After all, there is ZERO replacement for shot placement. :) PS: Local Northeast Ohioan here. You're so lucky, I'd kill to be able to hunt PA deer! You guys have some of the nicest deer in the country in my opinion. :)

[@MiltonSokolovich]

Im from Pennsylvania too I love it here I live in ambridge pa

[@daniel1697855]

So overall great video. HOWEVER I will say that I do disagree with tuning issues on fixed blade heads. You can have tuning issues with ANY broadhead for ANY number of reasons but thing thing to remember is you must shoot what YOU are happy with. I KNOW that with my Excal G340 my 100gr Montec FIXED blade heads will hit dead on at 50 yards no question. I sighted in with my broadheads at 20 yards checked my speed 5 times with a chrono and got and average and set my speed ring. 0 issues out to 50 (that's as far as I can shoot on my range). Now that same Bolt/arrow does NOT like the NAP killzone broadheads after 40 yards out of my G340. My Dad wouldn't let me "borrow" one of his Rage Hypos lol so cant say one those and Thunder heads are ok but 2" lower then my Montec's. As long as the bolt construction is sold BH furrel isn't bent in any way and the insert is flush you "should" be ok tuning wise BUT you may fins the bolt or bow just doesn't like that setup for some reason. I have seen it before and probly will again lol. JUst trying to illustrate that tuning issues with broadheads can happen with any kind of head.

[@cloyd1950]

Try a Tenpoint Vapor or a Raven 20 at 440 to 470 fps you best use a mechanical or you'll be tuning bolts all day after 50 yards. I'm talking 80 to 100 yards shots. It's a new game in crossbows now. 6 inch shot group at 100 yards yes I would take the shot no problem and why I have a raven20

[@chrisbowman2030]

I shot three arrows next to each other on a bottle cap at 60meters/65 yards. With my 10 year old Excalibur Exocet and stock 20 inch Firebolt Arrows. Precise enough, if you ask me.

[@tripplebeards3427]

Decades before the new and modern trend recommending to use heavier bolts I just used what came with my Horton Hunter express SL back in the 90's. Easton xx75 super lite bolts with 100 grain rocky mountain gator 100's with the original chisel tip design. They blew through every deer, coyote, and black bear I ever shot unless the opposite side leg or backbone was hit. I always limedy shots to 30 yards or under. Only 2 shots were farther.. a coyote at 40 yards and a doe close to 75 yards. Pass throughs through both and died in sight by the time I counted to three. I weighed and chronographed some of my orignal bolts the other day. They weighed as light as 380 grains with the orinal gators and up to 404 grains. I shot a 390 grain total weight bolt through it at 295 fps. The lightest 380 grain bolt I still have harvested 5 deer the last season I used it. Kept Cleaning it off and using it. Still straight as straight can get! Never noticed any penatration difference between the 20 grain variance on deer. Can tell you the lighter 380 grain bolt shot ALOT tighter groups vs the 400/403 grain xx75 2216's. When the gators were discontinued I tried a few expandable free floating blade broadheads with locking in place blade designs. Tried the rages and grim reaper whitetail specials. When the rages would open they would defect and not exit. If they didn't expand the heads would exit in a straight line pass through. The grim reapers would not exit and also defected inside deer. Also had them open in flight at 287 fps. Imo I blame lack of a pass through on shot placement and broadhead design vs blaming not getting a pass through on lack of energy. I've blown through many deer with expandables using a 66 pound compound and extremely light ACC arrows. Also using an overdrawn back in the 90's with extremely light and short aluminum arrows. IMO the reason heavier bolts are getting popular is because of the majoriry of the more modern expandable broadheads that lock blades when deployed and also forward blade deploying designs that need and require WAY more weight and energy to get a pass through. Imo that's why those type of broad heads also bend and brake blades. They got pushed with super fast crossbows with way more energy then needed for a deer. The weakest link fails...the blades.. Way less resistance is needed to get a rear deploying free floating head through a deer or bear. Imo the biggest reason people are switching to heavier bolts is because imo they are trying to shoot farther at deer with their xbows...which I dont make it a common practice. Thirty yards is about my max distance 99.9% of the time. I want to feel like I outsmarted and "hunted" my trophy animal. That to me would be the only reason to goto a heavier bolt. I'd also want a heavier bolt for hogs.

[@matthewwichtner2935]

That was good info, I agree. I used to shoot up PSE back in the day. Got out of it for a while. I'm back at it again with the crossbow. Pretty much most of what you described, I experienced also. I was into it pretty heavy for a while. And I also don't take any shots over 30 yards. Could, but too many things start changing after 30 yards. And I believe we owe the animal more respect than to see if we can plug one at 40 yards or 50. Anyways, good stuff. And good luck😊

[@randr10]

My philosophy on this is that I want as fast an arrow as possible so the deer doesn't move before the arrow gets there. This means as light as possible without sacrificing accuracy within the intended range and without damaging my bow. With my Burner 415, I just stuck with the factory KI arrows and 100 grain tips for a total of 370 grains. Not the highest quality arrows but they will achieve the full 415+ fps and I'm getting full pass through on quartering shots. At 40 yards I can't aim at the same spot on the target twice for fear of Robin Hooding them. Very tight 1-2 inch groups within hunting range. At 70 yards, way outside my range for whitetail, I'm still shooting 4-inch groups. Not ever going to take a hunting shot that far, but I would still consider that to be acceptable accuracy. If only the deer would stand still long enough to do it.

[@leveraction767]

Agree with tuning issues, when you cant tune the bow..... Which is crazy hard with a crossbow ...If not impossible :D

[@jmartin9059]

*YES, for slow and heavy arrow I prefer FIXED BLADE BROADHEAD. I must take care to 'NOT CUT STRING', with those.*

[@njbowhunter7004]

Great video. Have a quick question how can I support the channel through purchases for my excaliber axiom?I am in search of a new string as well as string suppressors.I found them on Amazon but if there’s anyway I could buy them and support the channel I’m all for it.thank you.

[@Deathbybunjie]

Check out the Gear Page on deathbybunjie.com I am adding new stuff all the time. Thanks!

[@bradbo3]

I had an old Horton legend that would shoot heavy or light with just a bump up or down on my scope. Took many deer. Had a house fire and lost it. Got a new faster and lighter Ten Point and it HATES heavy arrows...cant find a sweet spot with them. So i went back to lighter and they shoot 1 inch groups at 50 yds consistently. And no problem with penetration.

[@gant8408]

I use normal weight arrows or off my crossbow but use super heavy arrows out of my vertical bow so I can get pass-throughs

[@marnielarocque9412]

I bought a crony so in the coming summer i want to take my new xbow and test the speed vs weight and then i want to test the penetration vs speed and hope to find something in the middle of slow and heavy and fast and light, as an arrow is more of a cutting weapon than energy transfer, i will lean to speed. There was a test my the military done in the 60s or 70s where the mechanicals were proven to be so important and so much better than fixed broadheads this became the militarys accepted rules. A rifle is an energy transfer weapon, and arrow is a fast cutting weapon. So i hope find a happy medium of speed vs weight leaning towards speed.

[@ericsmigielski6427]

Hey Rich. Great video!! I'm curious...what speed is your bow shooting at with the 528 gr. arrows? Does the speed fit within the parameters of your speed ring on your scope? I realize that the speed rings aren't all that accurate. My Pheonix with a 413 gr. arrow chronoed at 287, but needed a speed ring setting of 300 for proper calibration.

[@Deathbybunjie]

260's, worked with scope...kinda. not 30+. 280 fps works to 50, and the 5 yard increments are accurate too

[@ericsmigielski6427]

@@Deathbybunjie does your speed ring start at 275 or 300?

[@brandonpelletier5857]

Ok I’m new to the crossbow hunting. I am set up with a Centerpoint Amp 415 with 400 grain bolts. I was told to go heavier for bigger game Elk and Moose. With 415fps am I still safe sticking with the stick 400 grain weight? Say nothing further then 60 yards? I do plan to start with white tail deer tho. You did open my eyes to mechanical broad heads to for the cut diameters. Thanks, great video for some information.

[@Deathbybunjie]

Personally, that "mooses" at .73 slugs of momentum so with the right broadhead you're good. That's my thoughts. But throw a 200 grain single bevel broadhead on there for extra oooompf on a Moose and viola--going through broadside! That's my thoughts from. A guy who's never killed a Moose though!

[@gregstephens8386]

I use the bloodsport witness arrows wt 325gr and then top with 100gr broadhead for 425gr total myself

[@Deathbybunjie]

Killer setup good luck

[@timberboy1984]

Rich after watching you on the last meat and greet hog hunt. I made the change rage hypodermic 125gr and on opening day this year I hit a doe that didn't run more then 30 yards and fell in sight

[@Deathbybunjie]

that's great tohear, congratulations!

[@timberboy1984]

@@Deathbybunjie thank you Rich. Good luck this season

[@leveraction767]

I will say... Bunjie loves the weight...As far as sound on the shot. Boeing!!

[@Deathbybunjie]

Yeah thats a sweet tone for sure

[@stevenmichael558]

I USE REGULAR 20 INCH CROSSBOW BOLTS , REGULAR INSERT BUT FOR HOGS I USE THE 150 GR. ANNIHILATOR BROAD HEAD AND FOR NON-ARMORED GAME THE GRIM REAPER FATAL STEEL 125 GR. MECHANICAL BROAD HEAD FOR DEER AND SUCH . I HAVE USED THE FATAL STEEL ON HOGS TOO BUT I SHOOT THEM IN THE THROAT AND SEVER EVERY THING FOR A GREAT BLOOD TRAIL IF YOU DONT HIT THE SPINE.

[@scottchesher5296]

Something to keep in mind when you buy a crossbow or a compound bow or any type of boat the arrows at the dealer suggest is what they considered to be a red line arrow another words they could fly good or not a lot of professional archers and hunters they don’t with compounds and cross bows and even Rifle‘s tend to like heavier you get better passes better penetration and overall a good FOC front of Center but there is a limit we do not want to go too heavy right is good to do not take me out of context but the lighter you arrow you shoot the closer you become and get close to the red line did the vote forms the best at there is a minimum any maximum

[@jenniferrobinson5813]

I'm glad you did this video. Truth be told, my largest animal, a 550lb hog, was shot with a 400 grain Spitfire tipped arrow clocking in at 396fps. The arrow did not pass through, but shattered the offside leg bone. The shot was 35 yds. The pig made it 15ft. Factory arrow. Broadhead acquired from Ebay. For the majority of my crossbow hunting career, it was the 400gr+Spitfire formula. I got my Excal and went heavy and fixed, which was fine because the bow was slow enough for good broadhead flight. Now, having converted over to TenPoint, using a fixed head is not possible, not unless I want to break the bank trying to have custom 700+ grain arrows built. I just don't want to do that, and for the vast majority of hunters out there, it's just a waste if time.

[@Deathbybunjie]

I get that, especially for crossbows

[@Voxguitarsrock]

My son bought a killer instinct 405. The limbs cracked pretty bad at the 20 shot mark with the stock ultralight arrows. They replaced them under warranty. Manufacturers want the highest speed 2 advertise for their bows. He switched 2 piledrivers and no more problems. Cheers!

[@nwhitacre]

Had the same problem. Went with a heavier bolt and broadhead combo. Hitting dimes at 40 yards and the bow is much quieter.

[@kristenwaller6043]

I use the 20 inch bolts from wal mart and I have split arrows at 30 yrs so yeah it works good in my velocity

[@Deathbybunjie]

stick with what works! good luck!

[@nathanland8246]

One thing to remember is that there is a huge difference between a multilayered multi-tissued target like an animal and a homogenous medium like your block targets are made of.

[@Deathbybunjie]

Oh yeah pulling arrows out of the older animal targets is hard, but newer Rhinehart animals I've had no trouble with.

[@robertyetsko80]

I FOLLOW THE MANUFACTURER RECOMMENDATIONS ON BOLTS AND BROADHEADS FOR MY EXCALIBUR THOUGH NOT NECESSARILY THE EXCALIBUR BRAND BROADHEADS

[@yooper7753]

I ditched carbon shafts from the beginning when I bought my first Excalibur Equinox and now my Excalibur Matrix 355 crossbows. I have great success with Easton 2219 aluminum shafts with my 1981 Bear BrownBear round wheel compound bow, so using these same shaft for crossbows seemed fitting. I shoot 18" Easton 2219 aluminum shafts with standard aluminum inserts with 170 grain broadheads. My total weight is 470 grains at 305 FPS out of my Excalibur Matrix 355 crossbow.

[@Deathbybunjie]

Well, most people have great success with carbon lol but seriously though that's cool

[@yooper7753]

@@Deathbybunjie Carbon shafts are just too expensive for my pocket book and honestly they don't justify the cost.

[@mikeengler2645]

I've always used the stock arrows that came with my bows..as I've stated before I use a 3 bladed WASP with a trocar chesil tip...I love shooting a flat arrow and my fire bolts and Diablo s do that...like you I have one arrow that's killed many deer just lucky I guess...they all are equipped with an lumenocks...when I shoot out to 50yds in the backyard my "light" arrows hump into the target with about an 18 inch drop and that's with my 380 Matrix shooting off my caldwell... A couple years ago I shot a big body buck in bad light quartering away maybe 20yds because of the light I don't know what happened but the arrow broke the back leg went through the deer and went through the opposite shoulder...bad choice on me all around for shooting but the equipment worked great...

[@Deathbybunjie]

Man that's a great setup, congrats and good luck this season

[@sampson69100]

Just ordered Excalibur micro 340TD

[@Deathbybunjie]

Cool good luck out there!

[@johnforsyth8414]

A couple of observations. Not everyone uses a “traditional” multi marked reticle scope (for different yardage distances). I have used an HHA speed dial with a Leupold VX-R 3x9x50 Firedot scope . I often hunt from ground blinds. Unfortunately it gets darker earlier inside the blind. I can see better through this scope than I can with my naked eye. I also have the correct yardage tape # on the dial. All you need to do is know the distance. Then turn the dial to that number. Accurate to the yard. Also when shooting super fast crossbows heavier arrows are essential to lessen limb/cam damage.

[@Deathbybunjie]

Check out the oracle x, man I love that thing.

[@johnforsyth8414]

@@Deathbybunjie I found your video with the cheek weld modification. How well does it perform under low light?

[@Deathbybunjie]

@johnforsyth8414 it's as good as my other scopes...I'd say adequate. Rangefinder works at same level as my handheld ones too. But then again I don't have the most expensive ones lol

[@Bowfella]

I use 400gr arrows with 125gr mechanicals with my scorpyd. Shot a button buck head on at 20 yards and it zipped through him lengthwise and ended up 2" in the ground behind him.

[@Deathbybunjie]

Man thats a killer crossbow. Congrats!

[@danb340]

Read some articles about using heavier bolts to make your high powered crossbow limbs last longer,, supposedly more resistance on the string = less resistance and vibrations on limbs= lasting longer. This doesn't pertain to you bungee man, with your excalibur invincible limbs.

[@Deathbybunjie]

I don't know about invincible but 11 years is pretty good lol

[@kristenwaller6043]

Last year was a bust for me had tags andvwverything lined up went out twice shot at one once got really sick think it was rona..... got thrunthat after 3 weeks then I messed my back up at work..... ouch!

[@Deathbybunjie]

well that's no good, better luck in future!

[@michaelengler2444]

I've always used stock arrows with my Excaliburs and the recommended BHs I couldn't be any happier. The first promotional video I watched on Excaliburs they were hunting dangerous African animals and all were pass thru s...after seeing that I was all in... BHs were 3 bladed no expandable s

[@tylanway5450]

I have used both. a 2 blade mechanical flappers ...the slit is large but it seals back up with the fat and flesh of the deer. leaving no blood trail and you get no bleeding (even thru double lung) but a 3 blade causes more damage and more cutting edge surface area. a sharp edge will get more bleeding and tissue damage than a rough cut....the Ram Cat outperforms anything imho

[@inthewoods3237]

I stepped up to a 350 grain arrow with a 150 grain head and am super happy with that, not super impressed with Sevr 150’s however, going to 150 Rage next year.

[@timothybird5565]

Did anyone notice the deflection that happened with the Rage broadheads, this don't happen with ehe Sevr broadheads because of the pivoting blades feature.

[@tripplebeards3427]

Yes, I have experienced defelction with over 2 dozen different mechanicals and fixed heads. Rear deploying gator style heads with free floating blades have been the best mechanical style so far for a straight line and pass through. Any mechanical that the blade locks into place always deflects and most of the time doesn't exit

[@ridetillidieharleyyamaha4063]

I use tenpoint pro lite and pro elite with a 100grn 3 blade Magnus snuffer ss on red deer and fallow deer and get double lung pass throughs and pro elite with 2 blade kayuga 130grn on pigs and they don't get far , like you say if it works why change it

[@DanielGarcia-zw8nx]

I agree👍

[@Deathbybunjie]

Thanks Daniel!

[@himesjb]

Hey Rich, can you do a video on sharpening broadheads? I use compound as well as crossbow and use Grizz trick fixed broadheads. I can barely break a rubber band no matter how much I sharpen. They feel like scalpels to me but maybe it needs a special type of rubber band tensed just so much? I've killed 2 deer with my bow so far, but I want to be sure of a good blood trail every time when I get in the stand.

[@Deathbybunjie]

I'm really not the guy to ask, I've never sharpened one. I use mechanicals and I don't re-use, but I might try changing blades soon...I am sorry, just not much help here...

[@himesjb]

@@Deathbybunjie No problem, sir! I had just seen a brief rubber band test in one of your vids, so I thought it wouldn't hurt to ask. I enjoy all your content -- keep it coming!

[@sleepyrasta14820]

I just use bog standard 16 inch aluminium arrows they are cheap and do me fine i only do target shooting we can't hunt with bows here in the UK.

[@rextex4222]

I have two crossbows I hunt with. A Barnett 245 fps and a Carbon Express 350 fps. The heavy arrows don’t shoot well with the Barnett. 20 inch stock arrows with a 125 grain fixed blade broad head dropped two bucks with pass through but I shot them both at 10 to 12 yards. The Carbon Express accuracy was erratic at best shooting a stock arrows with an illuminated knock. The buck (#3) I shot with the C. E. crossbow hit almost 8 inches to the right of where I was aiming The deer was about ten yards in front of me. I did recover both the deer and the arrow. The half moon knock on the arrow had shattered and the arrow was found almost 8 feet further to the right behind an oak tree from where I was aiming! The knock did turn on or I would still be looking for that arrow to this day trying to figure out what had happened to it. I determined the erratic flight of the arrow was caused by an almost neutral “FOC” because of the added weight of the illuminated knock to the back of the arrow. The arrow, broad head, illuminated knock and crossbow were Carbon Express products. It’s not like I mixed a bunch of unrelated products together. So this year I assembled 22 inch heavy duty “Bambi Buster” arrows for the C. E. with a 18.04% FOC and the accuracy is now out standing. I guess I had to tune the arrow to the crossbow. I will find out how well the Bambi Busters work as bow season for deer opens next Thursday here!

[@Deathbybunjie]

"bambi busters" i love it! best of luck out there and let me know how you make out!