What's your thought's or opinion's
Can a crossbow with 340fps shoot a deer at 40 yards ethically?
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blakeman
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Sure. Why not? Under perfect circumstances I’ll shoot a deer at 40 yards with my compound at a whopping 260 FPS.
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I don't see a problem. I have killed a good many tick toters out to 50 yds. Mostly i used couple of old vixen's with carved tip limbs n dacron strings
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The trick is to shoot at it when it’s not looking. An attentive doe will often duck the arrow at 43yd.
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Most certainly, that's twice the speed of my cedars... maybe more... and 40 yards is most certainly within reasonable range.
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78 Posts
Yes without a doubt
The fastest vertical bow out there is slower in speed than your crossbow and people shoot deer past 40 yards with vertical bows everyday during the season. I don't shoot a crossbow but I think, generally speaking, they shed energy quicker than a vertical bow. Deer are thinned skinned and not that hard to kill, if hit in them in the right spot.
In the midwest where I hunt, most people I know have a pin out to 50 yards. Some people just practice out to this distance, while others will take shots at this distance. If the shot is clear and the wind is calm, I will shoot at this distance, because I can hit my target at this distance.
My longest compound archery kill was laser range finder verified at 48 yards, shooting a modern compound that shot a hunting weight arrow and broadhead at 260 FPS, out of the bow. At that distance I have no idea how fast my arrow was going at impact. I did not get a pass thru, but my arrow buried up to the fletching and the deer ran about 25 yards.
So can it be done. I surely think so, Should it be done, that solely depends on you and our skill level. You are wise to place a maximum distance that you will shoot, as the deer or other game deserve your best. As hunters, people are watching and we need to put are best foot forward. Practice and have faith in your equipment.
In the midwest where I hunt, most people I know have a pin out to 50 yards. Some people just practice out to this distance, while others will take shots at this distance. If the shot is clear and the wind is calm, I will shoot at this distance, because I can hit my target at this distance.
My longest compound archery kill was laser range finder verified at 48 yards, shooting a modern compound that shot a hunting weight arrow and broadhead at 260 FPS, out of the bow. At that distance I have no idea how fast my arrow was going at impact. I did not get a pass thru, but my arrow buried up to the fletching and the deer ran about 25 yards.
So can it be done. I surely think so, Should it be done, that solely depends on you and our skill level. You are wise to place a maximum distance that you will shoot, as the deer or other game deserve your best. As hunters, people are watching and we need to put are best foot forward. Practice and have faith in your equipment.
Its not the crossbow but the shooter. The 340fps crossbow can drive an arrow through a deer at 200 yards with a sharp broadhead.
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Yes. But the average crossbow hunter cannot. From what I've seen, they have trouble past 20
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59,655 Posts
Seriously!!!!! I think you already know that answer!!!!!!
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i would use a least a 400 grain arrow for many reasons.
and good fixed blade head like Slik tric or 150 grain Ramcat .
Idk some curve shooters can tell u the best head
once i go to extended ranges i like real fast flat shooting bow that can easily go through shoulder blades or ribs. Rediclus amounts of Ke are nice to have in the even extremely unlikely event someone makes a bad shot.
and good fixed blade head like Slik tric or 150 grain Ramcat .
Idk some curve shooters can tell u the best head
once i go to extended ranges i like real fast flat shooting bow that can easily go through shoulder blades or ribs. Rediclus amounts of Ke are nice to have in the even extremely unlikely event someone makes a bad shot.
Darton Toxin 125ss with Black eagle 22" Zombie Slayer bolts. Right now Vertacle bow is target only
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97 Posts
It depends on the hunter's skills and the deer. If the hunter is in practice capable of making an accurate shot to the lungs, and the deer have not taken notice. It is an easy shot and harvest. If the deer has taken notice and is on alert it is better to stay still and wait for the deer to relax and go back to feeding or some other activity. If the deer is on alert at 40 yds even at 340fps it will not be there when the arrow arrives. The shot may cause injury to the deer and a slow painful death or permanent injury. With a crossbow, you will not have time for a follow-on shot.
Sweet deer.
I picked up a used Excalibur last year for late season. I am a recurve guy, but when the leaves come down, the shots get longer than my 20 yard limit.
I have the Exclibur bolts with 150 grain heads. I hope to try out some aluminum bolts made from XX75 2219 shafts with the same head for a bit more down range momentum. It should also help with bow noise. Preliminary tests show about 7" of drop at 40 compared to the carbon bolts but they do sink deeper into the target.
Like you, I think 40 is still a long way to shoot in the woods. Lots of unseen branches along the arc of the arrow.
I have the Exclibur bolts with 150 grain heads. I hope to try out some aluminum bolts made from XX75 2219 shafts with the same head for a bit more down range momentum. It should also help with bow noise. Preliminary tests show about 7" of drop at 40 compared to the carbon bolts but they do sink deeper into the target.
Like you, I think 40 is still a long way to shoot in the woods. Lots of unseen branches along the arc of the arrow.
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