Depends on the situation and the animal. I know that I can effectively place abroadhead in the vitals of a deer target 100 shots out of 100 at 50 yards. Does that mean I'm going to answer your question and say "50 yards"? -No. I'm going to say; "It depends." Targets don't move and they are generally set up with a clear shooting lane. Would I shoot at a whitetail in the hardwoods at 50 yards? -No way! 30 yards max.! Would I shoot at a relaxed caribouin the opentundra at 50 yards? You bet! Same with a moose on a gravel bar standing there looking for a cow. In short, my answer is; "it depends on the situation".