Question on arrow flight characteristics

[wdmullins]

Is there a calculator that can gragh the flight by changing variables?

Being new to archery in general and crossbows specifically, I know little to nothing about arrow flight dynamics and how the variables effect each other.

Just throwing out some numbers here, not suggesting that they are good or accurate, for example.

Gold Tips seem to be a popular choice around here so I'll use them as a starting point.

Name Weight (gr/in) Spine OD ID
Laser 2 7.3 .200 .337 .300
Xfire - Black 13.9 .050 .348 .272
Xfire - Camo 15.5 .050 .340 .272

Now add in 5", 4", 3" or 2" vanes, brass inserts of 3 different weights, aluminum or plastic nocks, 100gr or 125gr broadheads - each with 1", 1 1/8" or 1 1/4" blade widths.

So my question is how would any one of these 1296 combinations differ in flight from any other one?

Thanks for any help.

Don

[Limbs and Sticks]

See if any thing in this site will help you

http://www.cacciaebalestra.altervista.org/


Wes

[wdmullins]

L & B,

Very nice website. The ballistics caluculator was pretty much what I was looking for. Wasn't sure what to put in for some of the variables, but it will serve me well as I learn.

Reading some of the articles there, I was surprised to learn that he recommends extremely heavy arrow weights (600gr +) for crossbows 200# and higher for normal hunting distances. That seems out of line with the information I'm reading here.

Anyone use arrows that heavy? If so, why?

Thanks,

Don

[Limbs and Sticks]

I'm not sure but I think he's talking about 20yds or less?

Wes

[wdmullins]

Here is the paragraph to which I was referring. He is recommending 600gr+ upto 40 yards (which in my mind is the max for normal hunting distance) IF you can shoot 300 fps with them.

The crossbow performance changes a lot depending on whether to use heavy or light arrows. With a heavy arrows noises and vibractions decreases a lot and energy increases a lot (more than a vertical bow): my Exomax with 367 grains arrow has 97.4 FTP of Kinetics energy, with a 620 grains arrow 116 FTP. All depends on your purpose: For a heavy animals use heavy arrows; if you always shoot always at close range 10-20 yards, always use heavy arrows (speed is not necessary); If you shoot up to 40 yards, use the heavier arrow with a speed more than 290 fps. If you shoot at middle and far distance, for example 30-65 yards, and with your crossbow model the arrow speed with a heavy arrow is less than 290-300 fps, use a lighter arrows to increase speed (290-300 fps min.) and see, with Ballistic calculator and penetration tables on this internet site, if the arrow energy is enough to kill

I'm just curious if this is just his view or if there are folks here who use arrows this heavy for hunting.

Don

[skamaniac]

How can i use the info from the calculator to determine ballistics for say a 30 yd zero?

[wdmullins]

Ska

I would think (and take this for what it is worth) that you would add the 30 yrd number to all the others. Making 30 0 and moving all the other number to reflect this. This may not be correct. I hope one of the more experienced members will correct me if I'm wrong.

I punched in some numbers and got this.

Range Vertical Drop Vertical Drop (adjusted to zero at 30 yds)
(yards) (inches) (inches)
0 0 +19.7
10 -2.1 +17.6
20 -8.3 +11.4
30 -19.7 0
40 -36.2 -16.5
50 -57.9 -38.2
60 -87.7 -68.1
70 -123.9 -104.2
80 -166.8 -147.1
90 -221.0 -201.3
100 -283.4 -263.7

Don

[Limbs and Sticks]

I'm surely on the lite end,I like one pin or cross hair, there are some on here that like heavy arrows and there is not one thing wrong with that, it's what ever floats your boat.

Wes

[kennisondan]

you may try hawke optics ..
their site has a calculator also..
it matches up to their scope well also..
it is a good scope.. I have one varizone and one hawke..similar scopes.
dk

[crazyfarmer]

I'm surely on the lite end,I like one pin or cross hair, there are some on here that like heavy arrows and there is not one thing wrong with that, it's what ever floats your boat.

Wes

I used a 375gr combo for years and had no trouble with kill shots.. I use a 410grain combo now and no troubles

like Wes said, whatever floats your boat. But in my opinion anything over say 450-470 for deer is overkill. A 375-450grain bolt will do the job just fine and plus you have a 10-12fps faster arrow.

now for elk, moose, and bear I'd go with a 450-600grain setup