Crossbow Bolt Weight Chart
Complete bolt weight reference chart with speed, KE, and drop for 350, 400, 450, 500, and 550 grain bolts at common crossbow speeds. Includes manufacturer minimums and hunting recommendations.
🎯 Quick Bolt Weight Calculator
📊 Bolt Weight Chart — Speed, KE, and Drop
Values assume a crossbow with a published 400 fps (400 grain reference bolt) and typical hunting tune. Adjust speed by ~10 fps for every 25 grain of bolt weight change.
| Bolt Weight | Class | Typical Speed (400 fps bow) | Kinetic Energy | Drop at 40 yd | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 350 gr | Light | 420 fps | 137 ft-lb | ~6.1" | Speed-focused target / 3D |
| 400 gr | Standard | 400 fps | 142 ft-lb | ~7.0" | Deer / general hunting |
| 425 gr | Standard | 390 fps | 144 ft-lb | ~7.5" | Deer / hog / bear |
| 450 gr | Mid-Heavy | 380 fps | 144 ft-lb | ~8.0" | Hog / bear / large deer |
| 475 gr | Heavy | 370 fps | 144 ft-lb | ~8.6" | Bear / large game |
| 500 gr | Heavy | 360 fps | 144 ft-lb | ~9.2" | Large game / penetration |
| 525 gr | Ultra Heavy | 350 fps | 143 ft-lb | ~9.9" | Dangerous game |
| 550 gr | Ultra Heavy | 340 fps | 141 ft-lb | ~10.7" | Specialty / heavy penetration |
⚙️ Minimum Bolt Weight by Crossbow Manufacturer
Every crossbow has a minimum recommended bolt weight. Going below this can damage the limbs and voids the warranty.
| Crossbow Brand / Model | Min Bolt Weight | Recommended Hunting Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Ravin R10 / R20 / R26 | 400 gr | 425–450 gr |
| Ravin R29X / R500 | 400 gr | 425–475 gr |
| TenPoint Nitro 505 | 400 gr | 425–500 gr |
| TenPoint Vengent S440 | 370 gr | 400–450 gr |
| Barnett Hyper Raptor | 380 gr | 400–450 gr |
| Barnett TS380 | 380 gr | 400–425 gr |
| Excalibur Assassin 420 | 350 gr | 400–450 gr |
| Excalibur Micro 380 | 350 gr | 400–425 gr |
| Wicked Ridge RDX 400 | 400 gr | 425–450 gr |
| CenterPoint Wrath 430 | 400 gr | 425–450 gr |
| Mission Sub-1 XR | 400 gr | 425–450 gr |
Source: Manufacturer published specifications. Values may vary by model year — always confirm with your crossbow manual.
⚖️ Bolt Weight Recommendations by Game
- Deer / antelope / hog: 400–425 gr. Standard hunting weight that produces the flattest trajectory.
- Black bear: 425–475 gr. More momentum for penetration on heavier hides.
- Elk / moose: 450–500 gr. Heavier bolt to overcome thick hide and muscle.
- Dangerous game: 500–550 gr. Maximum momentum and cut-on-contact broadheads.
- Target / 3D: 350–400 gr. Flatter trajectory with acceptable KE.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best bolt weight for crossbow hunting?
For most North American hunting, 400–450 grain bolts are the sweet spot. Lighter bolts (350–400 gr) offer flatter trajectory; heavier bolts (450–550 gr) offer better penetration and wind resistance. Match your choice to the game you hunt.
Can I shoot 350 grain bolts in a 400 fps crossbow?
Only if your crossbow's minimum bolt weight allows it. Many high-power crossbows require 400 gr minimum. Always check the manual — going below the minimum can damage limbs and void the warranty.
Do heavier crossbow bolts drop more?
Yes, but only slightly. A 400 gr bolt at 400 fps drops about 7.0" at 40 yards from a 20-yard zero; a 500 gr bolt at 360 fps drops about 9.2". The difference is minor compared to the penetration advantage of heavier bolts.
How much does 50 grains of bolt weight change speed?
Roughly 15–25 fps. Adding 50 gr to a 400 gr bolt typically reduces speed by about 15–20 fps, depending on crossbow power.
Do I need special bolts for different crossbows?
Yes — crossbow bolts are not universal. Length, nock type (flat, half-moon, capture), and diameter vary by brand. Always buy bolts that match your crossbow model.
Are mechanical broadheads safe on crossbows?
Yes, but check your state regulations first. Some states require fixed-blade broadheads for crossbow hunting. Also verify the mechanical broadhead is rated for crossbow speeds (400+ fps) to prevent premature deployment.