How Far Will a Bow & Arrow Kill?

Published on September 1, 2015
Duration: 18:06

This video details a comprehensive test of a custom ILF recurve bow's lethality at extended ranges, from 10 to 100 yards. Expert Scott, with 45 years of bowhunting experience, demonstrates penetration capabilities using ballistics gel and various arrow setups, including Grizzly broadheads. The analysis highlights the effectiveness of a well-tuned, efficient setup over sheer draw weight, providing valuable insights for traditional archery hunters.

Quick Summary

A 40lb draw weight recurve bow with a 600-grain arrow demonstrated lethal penetration up to 100 yards in ballistics gel tests. While effective at this distance, ethical hunting ranges are significantly shorter due to the challenge of making a humane shot.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Methodology
  2. 00:47Equipment Overview
  3. 01:47Arrow and Broadhead Selection
  4. 03:5910-Yard Baseline Test
  5. 06:4525-Yard and 65-Yard Tests
  6. 11:39100-Yard Extreme Distance Test
  7. 13:39Historical Context and Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

How far can a bow and arrow effectively kill?

A 40lb draw weight bow with a 600-grain arrow demonstrated lethal penetration up to 100 yards in tests, though ethical hunting ranges are typically much shorter due to shot difficulty and humane kill requirements.

What equipment is needed to test bow lethality?

Testing bow lethality involves equipment like ballistics gel, torso targets, specific arrows (e.g., 600-635 grains), and hunting broadheads like Grizzly single-beveled broadheads, alongside the bow setup itself.

What is the significance of arrow weight in bowhunting?

Heavier arrows, such as the 600-635 grain arrows used in testing, maintain lethal momentum and penetration at longer distances compared to lighter arrows, making them crucial for effective bowhunting.

Are long-distance bow shots practical for hunting?

While a bow can remain lethal at distances like 100 yards, the extreme arc and difficulty of such shots make them impractical and often unethical for hunting, as ensuring a quick, humane kill is paramount.

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