How far can a crossbow shoot? (Here’s the truth)

Crossbows are one of the simplest and most primitive forms of firearms. They have been used for hunting since the 14th century and are popular today for hunting big game in remote areas. Crossbows are easy to operate and can be reloaded quickly.

However, the common question is: How far can a crossbow shoot? The crossbow can fire arrows up to 100 feet in length, and some particular crossbows can shoot arrows as far as 400 feet!

Nevertheless, that’s not all there is to it. Read on to learn how to calculate this, how far specific crossbows can shoot, and much more.

Table of Contents

How far can arrows fly from a crossbow?


Crossbows are an ancient weapon that can be traced back to the days of the Roman Empire. They were initially designed as military weapons. Some people have an interesting question about how far arrows can fly from a crossbow. Several factors can affect the distance an arrow travels.

These factors include:

Bolt Speed – An object falling to Earth (following Galileo’s Law) is subjected to acceleration due to gravity, which is 9.8 m/s². You can use this equation to determine the time an object will take to reach the ground after falling a certain distance.


“d” is the distance the object has to fall according to the theory, which we can round down to a simpler ten. “g” is the acceleration of gravity, which we can round up to only two. According to the theory, if you are shooting a crossbow, that distance will be approximately your height.

Bolt Weight To understand the equation for kinetic energy, take a look at the formula for crossbow speed:

The “m” represents mass, the “v” represents velocity, and “Ek” refers to kinetic energy.

There’s a direct correlation between kinetic energy and the distance the crossbow bolt can fly.

Draw Weight/Pull and Length

As a guideline, if you aim for your bolt to be a few frames faster, increasing your draw weight by five pounds will enhance your bolt speed by eight FPS. A higher draw weight results in faster bolts and a greater range.

Arc and Angle – If you’re shooting from a standing position or perhaps a tree railing, the bolt should be released sooner than it ascends. The equation for determining your trajectory, in this case, is highly complex, but you should work through this equation.

In this formula, “y0” represents the initial elevation from where you fired the projectile. Ultimately, an angle of 45 degrees is used to maximize distance, regardless of whether you increase or decrease it, while still maintaining the range at the same magnitude.

Read more: How fast do arrows fly?

How far can a crossbow shoot accurately?

The crossbow is a bowhunter’s friend. Thus, an accurate shot is inevitable for crossbow hunters. Since accuracy changes with range variations, knowing the effective distance of crossbow hunting becomes mandatory. With knowledge of the effective shooting range, you can make this determination easily, correct?

So, how far can crossbows accurately shoot? They can shoot up to 300 yards, and numerous models can even shoot farther—much longer than most rifles can be accurate.

However, a crossbow’s accuracy depends on several factors, including the type of crossbow, the quality of the bowstring, and your proficiency in using it.

How many feet per second does a crossbow shoot?

Crossbows are often perceived as slow weapons, but this is not always accurate. Certain types of crossbows can fire arrows at speeds of up to 400 feet per second, providing enough power to take down an animal at close range and being swift enough to hit a moving target.

How far can a 400 fps crossbow shoot?

Crossbows are a captivating weapon choice for hunters and athletes alike. Modern crossbows can shoot up to 400 fps, making them one of the swiftest weapons available. However, how far can they shoot? Crossbow experts have debated this question for years, and there is no definitive answer.

Several attributes must be considered when selecting a crossbow capable of shooting arrows at 400 fps. Precision and accuracy are essential when hunting with this crossbow to successfully take down game.

How far can an 80 lb crossbow shoot?

An 80 lb crossbow can shoot a distance of up to 330 feet, making it a viable option for hunting big game.

Crossbows use a mechanical system to propel an arrow. This system can be found in two primary forms: the self-contained crossbow and the crossbow bolt. Self-contained crossbows use the stock and bowstring to power the bow, whereas crossbow bolts use a weight attached to the bowstring’s end.

How far can a 150 lb crossbow shoot?

Crossbows can shoot arrows up to 150 pounds, which is about the typical distance for most crossbow shots. They are popular for hunting due to their relatively easy usability and effective long-range shooting capabilities.

A 150 lb crossbow can propel arrows up to 330 feet, providing ample range for most hunting situations. The bow’s draw weight and design also contribute to enhancing its power, rendering it a suitable choice for large game such as deer.

How far can a medieval crossbow shoot?

Generally speaking, crossbows in the medieval period were accurate up to about 50 yards. However, some models were known to be even more precise, capable of shooting up to 100 yards.

Crossbows have been used in hunting and traditional warfare in recent years. It has been established that they can shoot arrows up to 400 yards.

How far is a good shot with a crossbow?

Experts say an excellent crossbow shot can range from 20 to 50 yards.

With proper instruction, they can assist in taking down game quickly and efficiently. However, knowing the appropriate shooting distance for a crossbow can be tricky. Here are some tips for hitting your target with a crossbow:

  1. Accurate shooting takes time and practice. As you improve, you’ll be able to hit targets at greater distances.
  2. When aiming for shooting accuracy, you need to consider factors like crossbow draw weight, shape, and size.
  3. It’s crucial to observe all safety measures when using these weapons.
  4. Always utilize appropriate safety gear, including a crossbow safety leash, and ensure you have good eye and ear protection.
  5. Be knowledgeable about the safe shooting distance for your crossbow and bolt.

Do crossbows shoot farther than bows?

Crossbows are traditionally thought to shoot farther than bows, but this is not always the case. No scientific evidence supports the notion that crossbows shoot further than bows. 

Factors that affect how far a crossbow can shoot include the size and weight of the bow, the quality of the crossbow, and the user’s strength and skill.

What is the farthest crossbow ever shot?

One of the earliest crossbows was the Chinese crossbow. There are many types of crossbows, but the two most common are the bow-and-arrow crossbow and the crossbow-firing gun.

The bow-and-arrow crossbow is typically shorter and lighter than the crossbow-firing gun, and its arrow is simpler.

No one knows for sure, but according to some crossbow enthusiasts, the bow that shoots the farthest is the Barnett Ghost Elite. The crossbow reportedly can hit targets up to 260 yards away, but there is no scientific evidence to support this claim.

How far is too far with a crossbow?

Crossbows are dangerous weapons and should be handled with care; they should only be used within a safe distance for the user.

Crossbow safety guidelines recommend that users only shoot bolts up to 50 yards. However, experts say this is merely a guideline, and individuals should familiarize themselves with their crossbow’s maximum range to avoid injuring themselves or others.

What is the effective range of a crossbow?

The effective range of a crossbow is a critical measure to consider when purchasing one. The most common crossbow design has an effective range of about 30-50 yards, while some experts have an effective range of up to 60-75 yards with their expertise.

Since bowhunters use crossbows, understanding the effective range helps crossbow hunters determine their effective hunting range.

In general, crossbows have shorter ranges than traditional bows and arrows. The range will vary depending on the type of crossbow, how it was made, and if it is well-maintained.

How many fps does a crossbow shoot?

Crossbows are a type of bow and arrow that use a string to propel the arrow. Crossbows use either a mechanical or electronic release to cock the bowstring. Crossbows are typically classified by fps (feet per second) and range.

Mechanical crossbows typically shoot in the 30-70 fps range, while electronic crossbows can shoot as high as 300 fps. Moreover, the Barnett Ghost 410 shoots 410 fps, making it one of the most powerful crossbows on the market.

How far will a crossbow bolt travel?

Crossbows are a popular weapon due to their ease of use and quick firing capabilities. Crossbow bolts can travel up to 330 feet, but the distance a crossbow bolt will travel depends on many factors, such as the strength of the crossbow string and how much weight it takes to pull the arrow back.

How far can you kill a deer with a crossbow?

Crossbows are a common means of hunting deer. Sometimes, a deer can be killed with a crossbow by hitting it in the neck or chest area. However, this is not always the case, and depending on the size of the deer, it may be necessary to hit it at other sites to kill it.

For precise shots, a powerful modern bow can shoot as far as 500 yards. If you want to hunt, reaching your target anywhere from 80 to 60 yards is possible for experienced hunters; for basic-level shooters, aiming for less than 30 yards, preferably less than 35 yards (20-25), is advisable.

How many yards can you shoot with a crossbow?

Crossbows were not always used for hunting but were also employed as war weapons. However, the crossbow’s remarkable range has made it one of the most popular hunting tools today. Crossbows can shoot arrows up to 500 yards, making them a powerful tool for taking down game animals.

What is the effective range of a crossbow for deer hunting?

It’s important to remember that a crossbow’s effective range is approximate and will vary depending on the particular bow and arrow combination you’re using. Two factors to consider are the size of the target and the draw weight.

A smaller target will require a shorter bowstring to achieve the same velocity and power as a larger target. A bow with a longer bowstring can be used on a smaller target, but the arrow will travel slower and not as far. The most common crossbow design has an effective range of about 50 yards for deer hunting.

While the maximum range of a modern crossbow arrow is 500 yards.

What is the most accurate crossbow at 100 yards?

Achieving accuracy with a crossbow at 100 yards is not as simple as it seems. Factors like choosing the right arrow, the bow’s design, and the archer’s technique all play a role. Here are a few accurate crossbows at 100 yards:

Some people say the most accurate long-range crossbow is the Excalibur Crossbow Stringer. It has an aim point that is dead center in its bull’s-eye, making it the perfect crossbow for hunters who want to take down their prey with precision.

Another option is the Barnett Ghost 410. With a shooting accuracy of 410 yards, it’s an excellent choice for hunting small game. Additionally, its cocking effort is low, making it easy to use.

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