What is the minimum fps you need to hunt deer with in a crossbow?

[ihunt]

Like the question states. I am considering buying a crossbow and see they vary in fps. Is there a rule or guideline? Is 305 fps less than ideal or should you go with some thing much higher? Any comments or suggestions wold be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[Doug]

There is no regulation on FPS, only on page 24 of the regulations...

" crossbows must have a draw length of at least 300 mm (11.8 in.) and a draw weight of at least 45 kilograms (99.2 lb.). At a minimum bolts must have a 22 mm (0.87 in) wide head with at least two sharp cutting edges."

Find a bow that fits you, shoulder the bow, shoot it if they will let you, they are not all the same. Find one in your price range that feels good in your hands and on the shoulder. Be sure the wear appropriate clothing (ie the same type you would wear hunting) when trying the bow. a heavy coat and sweaters will make a difference to the feel.

With a crossbow most guys are not making long shots so IMO FPS does not matter as much as with a vertical bow. All of my shots are at less then 35 yards, actually most of mine have been less then 15 yards.

[natehunter]

305 is definitely fast enough.

[bester]

Hey Doug, FPS is FPS, why would it make any difference for a compound? In my opinion, compounds are much quieter then crossbows, therefor you could get away with less speed. I do agree, 305 FPS is plenty.

[MikePal]

It all depends on how deep into the ground you want the arrow to go on the far side of the deer

I have a x-bow that has a 150lb draw weight and the arrows go thru and thru....as they do with my 55 lb compound. Doesn't take much to punch a hole in the side of a deer.

[Fox]

I used to shoot one that only tossed the bolt about 220fps, still killed deer but you could watch the arrow rainbow as it headed down range.

[skeeter1]

faster bow shoots flatter and is more forgiving if your range estimate is a little off. A slow arcing bolt could lead to a non fatal hit if not ranged properly, but yes 305 is plenty.

[redd foxx]

At 305 fps the bolt is getting to the deer at 30 yards in way less than 1 second. I agree that the faster the flatter shooting.

[huntinaddict]

I just purchased a pse fang last night. Had it sighted in within 15 min. Bullseye at 30 yards no problem fast shooting bow and nice and small. Can't beat it for 399. A lot cheaper then those expensive bows.

[delmer]

Speed alone is not a good indicator of a bows ability to harvest an animal. The question you should be asking is "how much kinetic energy do I need to humanely harvest a deer?" The general answer to that is something around 45 ft/lbs. Kinetic energy is a factor of the speed and weight of the arrow. The amount of KE produced is easily calculated using this formula;

KE = (arrow weight / 450240) x (velocity x velocity)

Usually the advertised fps rating is achieved using the lightest arrow recommended for the bow. For example, a bow that uses a minimum arrow weight of 350 grains achieving 305 fps would have

(350/450240) x (305x305) = 72.3 ft/lbs of kinetic energy

Simple, right?