36 Yards - Maximum Point Blank Hunting Range. Knowing the rough speed at which your arrow will fly, you can now use our kinetic energy calculator to quickly figure out your arrow's initial kinetic energy. You can measure arrow speed using optical chronographs, Doppler chronographs, or laptop-based audio applications. While KE is an important factor in penetration, momentum is also critical because it determines the arrows ability to push through the target. As the arrow travels downrange it is constantly slowing down and dropping toward the ground, the further it travels, the faster it falls to the ground. Red: Highlights specific speeds in fps and MAX energy (KE and M). (That lowers the reticle in the scope, meaning you have to raise the crossbow back to POA) If it hits high, increase your FPS in your profile settings until the arrow drops into the slot. To achieve this the arrow will actually intersect with the line of sight twice, giving you a dead center hold on the target for many yards without hold-over or hold-under. Modern crossbows typically generate speeds anywhere from 280-350 feet per second, with some models topping 400 fps. FPS calculators (Frame per Second) work by using large databases of FPS records for various processors and graphic cards. Using the calculator above, you can see how changing even the smallest things can affect the lethality of your hunting arrows. This arrow speed calculator allows you to accurately determine the speed of an arrow. Another common speed rating is the ATA rating, which uses a 30-inch draw length, 70 lb. Bow/Arrow Speed Calculator (Estimate from IBO/ATA) This calculator will estimate the speed of the bow/arrow based on the speed rating of the manufacturer and individual setup of the bow. *Our website is supported by our users. The combined speed, kinetic energy, and momentum calculator below will help you estimate the potential each arrow has based on its weight and your personal bow setup and settings. Two main ways in which speed affects precision: First, faster arrows have flatter trajectory, meaning they drop less as they fly toward their target. For every 3 grains of additional weight on the bowstring, subtract 1 ft/s from the IBO value. Because most animals tend to "jump the string". Point Blank Range; Point blank range when sighting in a crossbow is the first point at which the line of sight intersects with the arrows path in the arrows trajectory arc. For a more detailed explanation, check the notes below the calculator. If it doesn't, adjust your 50-yard pin until it centers on the 50-yard bullseye when you're at full draw. FOC stands for Front of Center balance point. Finally, enter the Additional weight on the string if this is known. With that said, the average efficiency curve utilized for the calculator is based on various bows from APA, Elite, Bowtech, Hoyt, and PSE ranging from 40lbs up to 85lbs. How far can you shoot a crossbow? Note that the above is valid if speed is NOT increased at the expense of reduced arrow weight. The same team that conducted the above research suggested a way to calculate the effective range for each bow/crossbow model: Divide the crossbow velocity (in FPS) by 10. This is what we included: The IBO speed is used as a standardized speed rating for bows. Let us see how to use this tool: Begin by indicating the IBO rating in fps in the Bow IBO rating field. The factors that impact the overall speed of your arrow are: In addition, it is important to understand that sometimes even minor changes to your draw length, draw weight, and arrow weight can seriously affect the speed, kinetic energy, and momentum of your arrows when they are shot from your bow. ArcheryHunting.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. The size of the heart/lung area is around 8 inches on a average size deer weighing 120 pounds. Once you have this figure, you can calculate the kinetic energy produced by your bow. 525 grain arrows will fly at ~87.8% of initial speed We sometimes earn a small commission when you click through the affiliate links on our website. You will need to provide total arrow weight and initial speed for the calculation to be effective, as well as some other optional info (see below). One thing to remember is that while kinetic energy provides the impact of your arrow on your intended target, what it doesnt necessarily provide is information on your arrows ability to penetrate and travel through your target. The calculator assumes average air density and air viscosity. The only way to find the exact speed of your specific arrow is with an arrow chronograph. This is as close as it gets to what your arrows will deliver in the field, though keep in mind that our tests were conducted at an indoor range to avoid wind and weather fluctuations which can impact arrow behavior, so actual kinetic energy values in the field can and probably will vary slightly from what we arrived at in our tests. , which happens to be the most important factor in regard to hunting with archery equipment. My bow stayed the same: 60-pounds at 27.5-inches of draw. Heavy arrows, coupled with the right speed for your target animal, optimized by a high FOC, can accomplish a lot more than a light, fast arrow. It will give you a rough idea of how fast an arrow travels after changing the bow from the recommended specifications. 2. 2022 Bear Alaskan Right-Handed 55-70 lb Model, Arrow Weight 423 grains (Easton Axis 5mm Arrows) , Additional Weight on Bowstring 20 grains. Factoring in the gravitational constant in both of those formulas for hunting arrows is necessary to account for the effect of gravity on the arrows motion. For the least effort, draw your bow, aim at the top bullseye with your top pin, and check to see if from 50 yards your 50-yard pin, for example, coordinates with the bullseye covering your 50-yard group. Every bow gains efficiency a little differently. To properly calculate arrow speed, use the following formula: IBO Speed(in fps) + (Draw Length 30) x 10 Additional Weight on Bowstring (in grains) / 3 + MIN(0, (Arrow Weight(in grains) 5 x Draw Weight in Pounds) / 3 )). , because of the higher momentum at the moment of impact. I remember when I first started bowhunting; it was right around the time I became a teenager. This arrow speed calculator allows you to accurately determine the speed of an arrow. Thats a massive difference in a hunting scenario. If you were to shoot a 500 grain arrow from the exact same crossbow, its initial speed would be roughly 90% of 350, or around 315 FPS. The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes. The heavier the arrow is, the faster gravity will pull it toward the ground, but arrows or bolts do not have an even weight throughout. For your reference, an estimated peep only weight is 20 grains, and a peep + tube is 45 total grains. You can calculate your arrow's KE and express it in foot-pounds. When you input your bow and arrows information in the calculator below, you can see right away what your arrows potential is. In short, you need as much FPS as possible without sacrificing the other parameters of a crossbow to values that make such trade-off unworthy. The new speed, s2 = sqrt (350/450)*300 = 264.5 fps. The momentum of an arrow is linked to arrow penetration. For example, it takes approximately 40 ft/lbs(+or-) of kinetic energy to kill a whitetail deer. You decide to use 400 grain arrows, and using our FPS guide you calculate the point-blank speed of your arrow to be 240 FPS. 450 grain arrows will fly at ~95% of initial speed At the time lets call it the Round Cam Epoch the chase was for 200 fps. The gravitational constant (g) is the acceleration due to gravity, which is 32.174 feet per second per second at sea level. You can assume, roughly, that an arrows kinetic energy is reduced by around 3-4% for every 10 yards it travels. Execute. Ever wonder exactly how much kinetic energy is released by an arrow, based on its initial speed and distance traveled? At the rated 350 fps IBO the speed should be 319 so we know that the IBO is slightly high. We are working to correct this issue. Speed is needed to make the arrow arrive at its target quickly, but arrow speed is not what kills the animals you shoot with your bow. Sight compensation of trajectory. 1. This does not affect or reflect on our recommendations or opinions. This average will get most bowswithin a few percent of real-world speeds. Bowstring weight WWW Adding accessories to a bowstring impacts its speed; for every 3 grains of extra weight on the bowstring, deduct 1 fps from the IBO number. This is where this bow speed calculator comes in handy; it allows you to examine how the arrow will behave under a different bow setting. Mid-Range Rise; Mid-range rise when sighting in a crossbow is the highest point in the arrows trajectory between the point blank range and the true zero point. That is defined by an arrows weight, broadhead, and momentum. For whitetail deer this requirement is lower any crossbow 250 FPS and up will be a safe pick. The general guideline for this factor is: For every extra inch of draw length increases approximately 10 fps the arrow speed; and. SHORT STROKES. Arrow weight: Again, the rule of thumb is that for every 5 grains of added arrow weight, you will drop raw speed by 1-2 fps. As the older bows were less efficient out of the box, they naturally have more room for improvement. So when you see a certain crossbow rated at 350 FPS, for example, this was most likely calculated using a 400, maybe 425 grain arrow. These will result in relatively small variations that you should not worry much about. Arrow speed depends on several factors, including bow string weight, string length, string material, arrow weight, and weather conditions. When using the calculator above, input your values and then compare them to those values in the tables below. *Initial speed = our base speed determined using a 400 grain arrow: 425 grain arrows will fly at ~97.5 of initial speed Actual ballistics data will vary slightly based on weather conditions and how high above sea level you are. For more information on Kinetic Energy and Momentum, please see Kinetic Energy, Momentum and Arrows Enter the arrow weight (grains) Enter the arrow speed (fps) Momentum = Kinetic Energy = Archery Report Sites Archery Report Archery Calculator The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. For example, a bow designated as IBO 330 could achieve greater speeds than a bow rated as IBO 300. As such we recommend that elk hunters stick to 300 FPS or more. Bows 5-10 years old will tend to gain efficiency faster than one that is brand new. The arrow weight in grains (includes fletchings, wraps, inserts and also. Kinetic Energy & Momentum Calculator Find out the kinetic energy of your arrow or bolt using the following simple calculator. A lighter arrow produces more arrow speed, but an increase in arrow weight (incremented by 25 grains) can increase and eventually decrease arrow kinetic energy. How to determine the optimal shooting range for my crossbow? For every 3 grains of additional weight on the bowstring, subtract 1 fps from the IBO value. We appreciate your help. To exaggerate to make a point, a one-pound arrow would plummet to the ground the minute it left your barrel. The arrow ballistics calculator below will help you determine your arrows vertical drop, speed, kinetic energy and momentum, for up to 70 yards out in 10 yard increments. We strongly recommend reading our detailed kinetic energy tests and guide for more information. . A properly balanced arrow measurements of 7 to 15%. Let us see how to use this tool: Begin by indicating the IBO rating in fps in the Bow IBO rating field. It's measured by applying an 880-gram weight to the arrow, suspended from the center of the shaft. Let's consider the following example: you are analyzing the bow of IBO 300. Kinetic Energy Vs Momentum for Hunting? ), Toughest Game (cape buffalo, grizzly, musk ox, etc. You will find that most modern bows are more than capable of killing most game animals. of draw weight your bow is reduced, raw arrow speed is reduced 15-20 fps. A longer draw length results in a longer power stroke than a shorter draw length, allowing the bow to store more energy that then is transferred to the arrow. there is very little difference in trajectory when you sight in at the recommended distance that is supplied with most crossbows. Bowstring weight: Adding weight to a bowstring (peep sight, string silencers, string loop) will affect raw speed, but not by much. #3:Notall crossbows are suitable for hunting. The second conclusion is that this drawback of shooting slow weapons can be remedied to a good extent by simply reducing the distance we attempt shots at. This is because the large draw weight imparts more energy to the arrow. How far will it penetrate? Your arrows kinetic energy will depend on its speed. *The number 225,218 is derived from converting grains to pounds and then . Total string accessory weights in grains (peep, tube, silencers, etc.). Crossbow Kinetic Energy 200 FPS 225 FPS 250 FPS 1/3 10 20 30 40 50 0 25 50 75 100 125 150 Yards travelled by arrow Kinetic Energy ( In food - pounds) Chart by Visualizer Mike is a Veteran who served 21 years in the U.S. Army and retired as a Sergeant Major from the 5th Special Forces Group. If your target is to find how fast an arrow travels, then you aim right because the arrow speed calculator will easily help you with that With this archery calculator, you'll also be able to identify the different factors and what values can help you improve your arrow's speed. The chart below, and the research conducted is copyrighted material and is the property of BestCrossbowSource. Privacy Policy, N1 Outdoors N-Tune Nock Tuning Reflective Arrow Wraps (various designs), N1 Outdoors Bowhunt Oh Yeah Bowhunting Tee, N1 Outdoors Just PassN Through Bowhunting Tee (Heather Royal), N1 Outdoors N-Tune Nock Tuning Reflective Arrow Tracers (24-pack), Just PassN Through Tee (featuring Magnus Black Hornet Ser-Razor Broadhead), Just PassN Through Tee (featuring Iron Will). For every 3 grains of total arrow weight above draw weight multiplied by 5, subtract 1 ft/s from the IBO value. We strongly advise that you stick with the recommended values to maintain lots of room for error, particularly if youre new to hunting. Spine is measured by the number of inches a shaft deflects (bends) X 1000. The arrow speed calculator above provides a quick estimation. A feather traveling at 20 mph might sting, or might not even be felt, depending upon how it strikes. This tool should get you close to that. This is very misleading as to what a true high performance crossbow will do when sighted in properly for deer hunting. So the important question right now is: how much does initial arrow speed drop as its weight goes up? Now, enter the Draw length of the bow. If you were to shoot a 600 grain arrow instead, your initial speed would be roughly 82.5% of 350, or around 290 FPS. The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network. Try our arrow speed calculator below! As the arrow moves through space, the kinetic energy drops. But let's get a bit more precise (pun unintended): Aside from your aiming skills, animals jumping the string is the most common reason for disappointing results on hunting trips with a crossbow. Welcome to our Arrow Speed, Kinetic Energy, and Momentum Calculator, where you can easily calculate your arrows speed, kinetic energy, and momentum based on the IBO speed of your compound bow, your draw weight, draw length, and arrow weight. Arrow Velocity Arrow Mass Your kinetic energy is 0 foot pounds, and your momentum is 0 slug FPS. Fast-flying arrows have flatter flight trajectories and less deviation from the wind. The most critical factor is the IBO speed entered as this is the starting point of the calculations. Momentum is often considered more important for hunting because it can help the arrow maintain its penetration potential. For every 3 grains of total arrow weight above draw weight multiplied by 5, subtract 1 fps from the IBO value. Meaning that we can increase the speed by simply using a lighter shaft or broadhead, but that would actually reduce the penetration potential of the arrow because momentum is mostly affected by the weight of the projectile. . What is the maximum range for a crossbow? Knowing I shot my 315-grain antelope arrow at 309 FPS, I entered that data to find the most efficient arrow weight for my new whitetail arrow. Chasing 300 fps? This average will get most bows within a few percent of real-world speeds. A heavy arrow will produce a great deal of arrow momentum even at the price of arrow speed, but will eventually go down as arrow speed decreases. So, the closer you can get to your target, the more kinetic energy your arrow will have. Muley Short Sleeve T-shirt | Solids, Coues On Short Sleeve T-shirt | Black/Gray, Western Whitetail Multicam Flexfit Mesh Cap, +/- 1 inch change in draw length ~ +/-10 FPS, +/- 10 pound change in draw weight ~+/- 18 FPS, +/- 3 grain change in arrow weight ~ +/- 1 FPS, +/- 3 grain change in string weight ~ +/- 1 FPS. Granted, this is not as accurate as a chronograph, but it'll give you an idea. Please keep in mind that the values below assume the crossbow configuration is not altered, and that the only change is in arrow weight.