I have the same Barnett whitetail hunter. It’s killed a lot of deer for me. If I was hunting at longer distances, sure. My shots are almost universally under 30yds. You need to get a LOT faster to extend ranges to eliminate string jump.You need not spend $1000 or more on a crossbow--if you are just getting started a "ready to hunt package" for $500 or less will kill deer as well as a $2500 Ravin. I have a Barnett Whitetail Hunter (Amazon) currently and an older Excalibur I bought used--both shoot accurately -- Once the scope is sighted in you are pretty much good to go--I started out with a $200 Horton with a peep sight and 2 pins--killed a bunch of deer with it. If you can find a used Excalibur that would be great. Also they are not very sensitive to arrow or broadhead weight --the $6 carbon fiber arrows from Walmart work perfectly well, as do the Rage knock-offs sold on Ebay! When I look at the current offerings in the archery magazines I can't believe some of the prices-but hey its your money
On that note, stay away from replaceable razor blade broadheads. The razors tend to remain in the target when you try to retrieve the bolt and broad head core.Also whatever you get, mechanical or fixed broadheads, ensure you shoot two or three into you target. Don’t just rely on the practice tips. They do NOT always shoot to the same point of aim. Figure out the deviation, if any. Just suck it up that you may use up a package of heads testing that.
Mechanicals don’t seem to suffer that issue from what I’ve seen. But yes I know what you are talking about. Not cool for sure!On that note, stay away from replaceable razor blade broadheads. The razors tend to remain in the target when you try to retrieve the bolt and broad head core.
Yeah I have hunted with crossbows for awhile. Had a handicap permit before they legalized them for everyone. I have a Bear/ Jennings Devastator still and an old Horton Hunter. That had pins and I converted it with a rail and scope. Bought three others since.You need not spend $1000 or more on a crossbow--if you are just getting started a "ready to hunt package" for $500 or less will kill deer as well as a $2500 Ravin. I have a Barnett Whitetail Hunter (Amazon) currently and an older Excalibur I bought used--both shoot accurately -- Once the scope is sighted in you are pretty much good to go--I started out with a $200 Horton with a peep sight and 2 pins--killed a bunch of deer with it. If you can find a used Excalibur that would be great. Also they are not very sensitive to arrow or broadhead weight --the $6 carbon fiber arrows from Walmart work perfectly well, as do the Rage knock-offs sold on Ebay! When I look at the current offerings in the archery magazines I can't believe some of the prices-but hey its your money
You are exactly right on that. Broadheads and practice tips shoot different point of impact. No matter if same grain. I think the resistance of the blades maybe does thatAlso whatever you get, mechanical or fixed broadheads, ensure you shoot two or three into you target. Don’t just rely on the practice tips. They do NOT always shoot to the same point of aim. Figure out the deviation, if any. Just suck it up that you may use up a package of heads testing that.
For me 40 yards is about the limit that I will shoot--won't push it farther than that--too much chance of a bad hit and seem to get enough opportunity at that limit. And that is much further than I would have ever shot with my traditional bows.I have the same Barnett whitetail hunter. It’s killed a lot of deer for me. If I was hunting at longer distances, sure. My shots are almost universally under 30yds. You need to get a LOT faster to extend ranges to eliminate string jump.
I can hit a deer vital sized target at 60yds in calm weather. Maybe even 70. But 30-60yds I am 99% sure going to get string jump on a whitetail. I’ve never met a crossbow quiet enough not to cause it.
Something in the higher 300fps range can be fine to 40yds because it’s going fast enough to likely arrive before they can move much. But I personally prefer to keep it closer to or under 30yds. I’ve had deer string jump and noticeably change point of impact on shots in the 35yd range. I had a 5-pt I shot from a rest string jump at 42yds. Aimed for the vitals, but hit him in the hind quarters. Fortunately he collapsed, got up and trotted off slowly like nothing happened and laid down 50yds away and bled out in 20 minutes from the bolt going through both kidneys. Something in the mid to upper 400s could maybe push it an extra 10yds.
Good evening all, I am looking for a crossbow to hunt with next year.
Looking for suggestions to look through Amazon, or bass pro.
Brands I should stay away from or go with?