Matrix 380 bolt penetration

[Oelof]

Hi there everyone,

This is my first post ever, so here goes!

I just purchased an Excalibur Matrix 380 and I am VERY exited about this crossbow! Its my first crossbow ever and I have a few questions regarding shot placement & penetration.

I also own a 74 pound PSE Diablo, and hunt with it regularly. Generally shot placement with a bow needs to be precise. Normally behind the shoulder quartering away.

Does this rule apply to a crossbows as well? I have seen quite a few crossbow hunting video's where shots are taken directly on the shoulder, rather than behind the shoulder. Does this mean that crossbows are powerful enough to penetrate a animals shoulder bone with the bolt? The guys from "Hunting the backwoods" shooting Warthog, Impala and even Eland on the shoulder with the bolts passing clean thru. Must say I was impressed, but can this be done each and every time? The reason I ask is because most african animals vitals sit more towards the front, behind the shoulder.

Also, which broadheads are best for penetration?

Looking forward the replies...

Thanks,

Oelof

[vixenmaster]

With good arrow weight & good fixed bladed BH's. Goin through the shoulder blade is doable. I reckon i have shot them in every position you can think of cept the head.

[R.J.]

Behind the shoulder and quartering away in my opinion is still preferable to thru the shoulder .

Of course , broadside double lung will let the air out of any Big Game animal we have in Ontario and that shot usually provides a great blood trail !

These faster crossbows will do a shoulder pass thru as you saw on the video's you mentioned , but it is not a ideal shot placement .

As Vixenmaster mentioned , and I have seen same > many / every position over the years ( I have over the years had great success with deer right under the tree and spine shot ), but most consider a spine shot as less than ideal .

Bottom line > if you stick to the high percentage quartering away and broadside shots you will be on the right track !

[Oelof]

Thanks guys, I really appreciate the feedback!

[yooper_man]

I take broadside double lung shots with archery or firearms. I always stay away from the shoulder bones. Also quartering away is always good. Shoulder meat is good so why mess it up I always say

I once landed an arrow a little far back on a broadside white-tailed doe. I missed the lungs and heart completely. The arrow passed through and was full of blood. I recovered her over 100 yards away with a nice 3 blade pattern cut in the center of the liver. I was shooting a 31" Easton gamegetter out of my 65lb Bear Brown Bear round wheel compound bow with Cabelas 125grain fixed blade broadheads