New to Crossbow hunting--need help

[va hunter422]

Have been a muzzleloader and rifle hunter for years but just purchased by first crossbow today a--Barnett Penetrator 175. Sighted it in with the Walmart Carbon Express Wolverine 20" crossbolts at 442gr and it shoots fantastic!! Need help with some questions:

1) Can I use these bolts long term or do I have to use Barnett bolts? The cheap carbon express meet the weight requirements are are very accurate.
2) Are fixed 3 blades or mechanical broadheads better for hunting?
3) Will be hunting black bear and whiltetail this season...what is your recommended broadhead?

Thank you for your help!

[Stan00]

I like slick tricks, Good blood trails, shoot almost like field points, Lots out there to try but its expensive.

Good Luck, Stan

[Cossack]

Originally Posted by va hunter422

Have been a muzzleloader and rifle hunter for years but just purchased by first crossbow today a--Barnett Penetrator 175. Sighted it in with the Walmart Carbon Express Wolverine 20" crossbolts at 442gr and it shoots fantastic!! Need help with some questions:

1) Can I use these bolts long term or do I have to use Barnett bolts? The cheap carbon express meet the weight requirements are are very accurate.

You can use any arrow that works in your bow and meets minimum weight and nock specifications. Be sure to check any arrow used for cracks or damage prior to shooting it, esp if you feel it's been hit by another arrow. I had a bow fail from a cracked plastic nock-which I no longer use-and I no longer 'shoot for groups' all that much.
2) Are fixed 3 blades or mechanical broadheads better for hunting?

I prefer 4 bladed, low profile (short) fixed broadheads like the Slick Tricks or a mechanical that won't open on release by the bow's strong surge, like NAP Spitfire of Pro.
3) Will be hunting black bear and whiltetail this season...what is your recommended broadhead?

See above. I'd use the weight necessary for the arrow to weigh at least 400 grs, preferably more. Be sure to get field tips of the same weight for practice so they hit about the same point of impact.

Thank you for your help!

Best luck with your new hobby.

[va hunter422]

Thank you for the help!!

[excalibur43]

You can use any bolt that is the proper length for your xbow. I also use Slick Tricks and Muzzy Phantoms. I use 125 Gr., and IMO fixed blade broadheads perform better from a Xbow than expandables.

[Doug100g]

Small fixed blades
Any carbon arrow
Get viper-x strings and cables if you like shooting allot.
Find white fetching's or paint white to find arrows in grass.
Hold on to your wallet because its going to get thinner.


D

[awshucks]

1] Yes
2] what came 1st, chicken or the egg?
3] Slick Trick Mags [2 1/4" cut] {1 1/8" X 2}