When I first heard the term “crossbow bolt” I pictured a stubby piece of threaded metal being shot at a target.
However, I quickly found out exactly what it meant. As I purchased and tried different bolts in my recurve crossbow, I found that the smallest details can make a huge difference in the power and accuracy of my shots.
Changes in length, weight, material, and fletching could mean the difference between a kill shot and a shot injuring an animal for a slow and painful death.
This is simply not acceptable in my book. In this article, we will cover the different options you have purchasing crossbow bolts so that you can make the best decision possible.
What is a Crossbow Bolt?
A crossbow bolt is simply an arrow designed for a crossbow instead of a vertical bow. They are shorter so that they fit better on the frame of the crossbow.
As is with most arrows for vertical bows, the front is typically threaded so you can switch out field points and broadheads.
It has a three-fletching design, which is just like an arrow for a vertical bow. However, the back end is not knocked. The bolt rests on the frame of the crossbow, so there is no need to attach it to the drawstring.
Instead, most bolts have a half moon shape or flat surface on the back end allowing the bolt to simply rest on the drawstring.
This gives it enough contact for a consistent and accurate shot. The shaft is often a bit thicker than the shaft on an arrow for a vertical bow.
Material
Crossbow bolts can come in either aluminum or carbon shafts. The biggest point to remember is that crossbow bolts are under considerably more pressure than vertical bow arrows. They are more likely to bend as they leave the crossbow which can make them fly in an irregular manor.
Crossbow bolts must have a more rigid spine to reduce this issue.
You will find that aluminum crossbow bolts are heavier and more rigid. This makes them stronger when they hit your target animal. However, aluminum shafts will bend and dent so they do not last as long as carbon shafts.
They also drop faster after fired, so they are typically not as accurate as carbon shafts. The lighter carbon shaft is faster and has a flatter trajectory. It can bend and flex when it hits the target, so there is less chance of permanent damage.
Length
Crossbow bolts vary in length from 16 inches to 22 inches with an average of 20 inches. Any crossbow that you purchase will have a recommendation for the length of the bolt.
Your best bet is to stick to this suggestion. You can go longer if you like, but the only real advantage to going longer is added weight.
You cannot go shorter than the manufacturer recommendation as it often will make the bolt interfere with the rail of the crossbow.
Weight
The weight of the crossbow bolt that you choose can greatly affect the accuracy and killing power of that bolt.
Weight is typically listed in “grains”. You will often see a total weight for the bolt which is the easiest way to compare it to other bolts. However, the manufacturer may list grains per inch which means you must multiply that figure by the length of the bolt.
For example, if the bolt is listed as 15 grains per inch and it is a 20-inch bolt, then multiply the two figures and you have a 300 grain bolt.
You will sometimes see the weight listed in grams, but you are better to stick to the grain for comparison purposes.
Using a heavier bolt has both advantages and disadvantage. Heavier bolts are more durable and create more kinetic energy when fired at a target animal. This equates to killing power. Heavier bolts are more likely to push through tough hide and bone when you hit your animal.
In addition, the arrow has more momentum which creates a deeper wound. However, heavier bolts will drop more in the air which makes them less accurate.
This is especially true at distances over 30 yards. Lighter bolts do not have the killing power or durability of heavier ones, but they create more arrow speed making them more accurate.
Fletching
Fletching on crossbow bolts is virtually the same as fletching on arrows for a vertical bow. They are the “wings” at the rear of the bolt that keep the arrow flat in the air.
They create drag at the rear of the arrow which holds the point steady. They make a huge difference in the accuracy of a bolt. They also cause it to spin like a football thrown in a perfect spiral. This also improves accuracy as it helps shed wind resistance.
Crossbow bolts have three fletching just like arrows for vertical bows. On my recurve crossbow, there is a slot in the rail for one of the fletching. The other two are above the rail. This makes it more stable as it is released.
Traditional fletching is made from bird feathers, but fletching is always plastic on modern crossbow bolts. You can get a variety of lengths for fletching, but typically you want longer fletching to help support longer arrow shafts.
As you can see, the choices that you make with crossbow bolts will greatly depend on your priorities for their use.
If you are hunting big game with a thick hide, you may want to go with a heavier bolt. If you want to focus specifically on accuracy, lighter bolts are normally better.
The length of the shaft and fletching will often be determined by the manufacturer recommendations. The material is determined by weight needs and durability needs.
Take the time to figure out exactly what you want, and then buy the bolts that fit best.