How many ft lbs of energy to kill a deer with a bow. A long forgotten but definitive airgun magazine article from the 1980s by one of our far Southern comrades in NZ or OZ pretty well defined energy needed to kill a rabbit. so 2 to 1. This is the absolute minimum. 050 inches in diameter can be driven at a high enough velocity to give it 600 ft lbs of energy but it would have a lot less of an impact on game than a 2 lb projectile of 1 inch diameter with the same 600 Ft Lbs of energy. 04 ft-lbs and a momentum of . From the above example of a common, modern day compound bow you can see that most hunters are way over the 25 pound mark. Modern bowhunting equipment is becoming increasingly efficient, but is a 40-pound bow drawn to, say, 25 inches producing enough energy to cleanly and quickly dispatch even a 100-pound doe? Apr 21, 2017 · KE, put simply, is the amount of energy your arrow has as it impacts your target. For the toughest game including brown bear, grizzly bear, and large African game Oct 4, 2013 · Photo by: Bill Kinney I recently got this question from an OutdoorLife. 177 caliber air rifle or 1250fps for a . Jul 11, 2021 · Additional proof of this comes from 22 rimfires and 45-pound-pull bows flinging target arrows. Jun 18, 2013 · It is simple, lethal, has never let me down, and has killed 43 deer to date. Kinetic energy is one of several factors that can impact how far Feb 20, 2024 · The maximum ft-pounds of energy for deer hunting is generally considered to be around 70 ft-pounds. The kill zone size will vary based on the size of the game and these values are given as a very basic guideline. You need two things to efficiently kill game: Kinetic energy essentially tells us how much energy is needed to exert one pound of force for a distance of one foot. Nov 3, 2024 · How many foot pounds of energy to kill a deer? 1 year ago. Medium Game (deer, antelope, etc. now I have bows of only 55 lbs shooting shooting 425 grian arrows at 245 fps. As I approach longer shots with lower velocities much closer to the 1500 ft*lb energy mark, I would begin to limit my shots to perfect broadside non-shoulder shots. According to Easton, a 400 grain arrow traveling at the glacial speed of 170 feet-per-second has sufficient energy to harvest a mature deer. Large Game (e. That setup is delivering roughly 54 foot-pounds of KE and . So, let’s say the bow is pushing a 350-grain arrow at 265 feet per second. This, to me, is waaaaay overkill. 5 grain tungsten projectile that is . If you see a crossbow with a 300 FPS using a 400-grain arrow, then you’ll generate about 76 FP KE. Now look at this. A 500 grain arrow moving at 260 fps has a kinetic energy of 75. 57 ft-lbs and a momentum of . If I take a 90-yard shot with my 70-pound compound at a deer, the odds of making an ethical hit aren't good. of KE. Looking for a "source" of what is considered responsible. Jul 3, 2017 · For deer-size game, 40 pounds is plenty. 450,800 Jun 8, 2001 · Anyone have any thoughts on the amount of terminal energy required to cleanly kill game? I looked in a hunter-ed book and it lists the following as suggested minimums. But you want more speed. I do ascribe to the 1500 ft-lbs delivered energy for Elk but the 2500 ft-lbs is perhaps now disproven for moose. Enough to ethically kill white tail deer. They also state 55 ft-lbs of kinetic energy would is sufficient for most popular North American game species. What is kinetic energy in bow Oct 26, 2004 · Recurves effectively kill deer with 35 to 45 ft. For example, a 400 grain arrow that travels at 400 feet per second from a crossbow, will drop almost 93 inches at 100 yards. If a 180-pound-draw bow pushes a 370-grain arrow at over 300 fps and whitetails are the primary target it is delivering nearly double the energy required to get the job done, enough in fact to dispatch North America’s biggest game, or the biggest game anywhere, providing the shot is properly placed. I don't want stories or coyotes shot with air guns or . Optimal Bow Hunting Kinetic Energy Range: Small Game: 25 ft/lbs. Kinetic energy is measured in units of foot-pounds (ft-lbs) and can be calculated using the formula: KE = m x v 2 /450,240. 1. Nov 30, 2022 · Thus, the K. E. range. You can assume, roughly, that an arrow’s kinetic energy is reduced by around 3-4% for every 10 yards it travels. 3 times the momentum of a 350-grain arrow at 300 fps (70 ft-lbs / 0. Medium Game (Deer, Antelope): 25-41 ft/lbs. This illustrates a significant difference in how bullets and arrows kill. It's worth noting that using too much energy can also be detrimental to the quality of the meat. Feb 19, 2024 · For deer hunting with bows, it is recommended to have a kinetic energy level of at least 40 ft-lbs to ensure a clean and ethical kill. Anyway it just bounced off and fell on the ground. You can do that with some compounds set at as little as 40 pounds of draw weight. Aug 24, 2012 · Does anyone have a source listing the ethical foot pounds suggested to kill a coyote. of 41. The author was the proprietor of a large sheep station and an avid collector of elderly airguns in the era when the imported Cottontail was a scourge to sheep farming. 577 slugs*. Jun 25, 2009 · It uses a recommended energy and a minimum energy for each animal. This is 41 times the KE, but only 4. These values are conservative but are a good place to start. Kinetic Energy (KE) The energy an arrow delivers upon hitting the target: Typically 40 – 80 ft-lbs: Higher KE means deeper penetration, crucial for larger game. lbs of kinetic energy. Park a measly 40-grain 22 slug with 100 f-p energy in the spinal column of the neck of an elk and it’s as dead as if hit with a 300-grain solid from a 375 H&H Magnum carrying 3,700 f-p energy. Does that mean a $3000 crossbow with 190 ft-lbs of kinetic energy necessary? No, it’s not necessary. . It will ensure for more speed whenever you make a shot. 3 times as many ft/lbs is needed than the games weight. Therefore, the term kinetic energy means “through motion, do active work. For example, if an arrow with a mass of 370 grains is moving at a velocity of 430 fps, the kinetic energy is equal to 152 ft. The higher the energy will be, the deeper the arrow will penetrate into the deep to kill it effectively. lbs. By this logic, at 1,000 ft. 8. It’s based on a simple formula that combines arrow weight and velocity to quantify energy in foot-pounds (ft-lbs). Oct 24, 2014 · **Kill zone size is determined by either an effective head shot or shot to the vitals that should facilitate a clean, 1 shot kill. My combo is as follows: PSE Freak 30. On Elk it recommends 2000 ft/lbs and 1500ft/lbs as a minimum. Assume penetration and expansion is not an issue. Shot at 40# and a 24” draw length with a 450 grain arrow gives you 158 FPS. -lb. 3 joules) of energy to penetrate the human skull and kill someone instantly, meaning that it requires at least 624 fps (feet per second) for a . Feb 10, 2004 · Many people say at least 800 ft. Foot-Pounds (ft-lbs) 40 pounds is widely accepted as an effective bow draw weight for efficiently killing whitetail deer. Jul 4, 2024 · Medium-sized game like deer, pronghorn, and sheep require an arrow with a kinetic energy range of 25-41 ft. /lbs. Can a bow and arrow have enough ballistic energy for deer hunting? Yes, a properly equipped bow and arrow can have enough kinetic May 1, 2023 · However, based on the available information, it seems that somewhere between 500-1,000 ft lbs of energy would be required to penetrate the skull or spine of a bear and achieve a lethal shot. How Many Fps to Kill a Human . Compound bows with a draw weight of 40 lb generally put out a 240-grain arrow with 30 ft-lbs of kinetic energy. Townsend Whelen theorized we should have 1,000 ft. Large Game (elk, black bear, wild boar, etc. 411 slugs of momentum. The answer to this question lies in the mechanics of the crossbow itself, as opposed to the standard vertical bow, whether of a traditional or compound configuration. C copper jacketed bullets will open reliably. 22 LR round typically delivers around 100 ft-lbs of energy, not all of that energy is necessary to kill a squirrel. of kinetic energy to ethically hunt deer. To increase kinetic energy you can increase draw weight or arrow weight. Although with a higher draw weight your arrow is faster. Mar 14, 2023 · The minimum kinetic energy needed to bow hunt whitetail deer is 25 ft-lbs. However, performance does not stop with KE. at the shot produces more than enough energy to cleanly kill (assuming you are hunting with a setup that has been properly tuned and shooting broadheads with blades so sharp they scare you). Oct 4, 2011 · My arrow puts out 69. But, a skilled shooter with a 35-pound bow is very likely to kill a deer when shooting at it from 10 or 15 yards. Feb 3, 2023 · In fact, the average crossbow generates about 80 to 100 FP KE, or foot-pounds of kinetic energy. Deer, Antelope, Sheep 900 ft/lb Elk, Small Bear 1500 ft/lb Moose, Large Bear 2100 ft/lb Jan 21, 2004 · A . ) 42-65 ft. Jan 12, 2014 · Plenty of energy for a quick kill in an extreme shooting angle on a very large bodied bull. , Deer, Antelope): 30-40 FPE; Big Game (e. If you are shooting a bow in the 70-lb. I unluckily hit a rib, I assume crosswise. Through the ribs is much less than through a shoulder, by a good factor. According to Backcountry Archery Calculator, I am getting 79 lb/ft Kinetic Energy. My bow is set at the maximum draw weight, can I increase kinetic energy in any other way besides increasing draw weight. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Which equates to 24. com . May 6, 2006 · WARNING: many published gunwriters have clearly explained why anything less that 1,000 ft-lbs of kinetic energy won't kill a whitetail deer. Aug 25, 2016 · Gold Tip, an arrow company, recommends a minimum of 25 ft-lbs of kinetic energy to ethically bowhunt deer. Jul 11, 2017 · The venerable Remington 165-grain Core-Lokt in 30-06 Springfield generates 2870 foot-pounds of KE at 2800 feet-per-second with momentum of 2. This is why most hunters with compound bows shoot between 55 and 75 pounds . Feb 20, 2024 · 5. 6. where, m is the mass of the arrow (shaft + broadhead) in grains (gr) v is the velocity of the arrow in feet per second (fps) KE is kinetic energy in foot-pounds (ft-lbs) 450,240 is the conversion factor for grains to #1: Kinetic energy drops are fairly predictable. 57 ft. It takes a minimum of 10-12 ft/lbs (or 14. Is kinetic energy important in hunting? Yes, kinetic energy is crucial for hunting as it determines the stopping power and penetration of the bullet. , Elk Mar 9, 2005 · "Experts" will tell you anywheres from 1000-1200 ft/lbs. this is at the Point of Impact. When it comes to bows, energy is stored in the limbs and cams when the bow is drawn, then transferred to the arrow shaft at the shot in the form of kinetic energy, or K. as measured in ft. The Shooter’s Responsibility. Plus your arrow will hit harder at the same distance. As LR hunters we need to have a basic guideline for how far is too far. This isn't a bad rule of thumb because kinetic energy expressed in foot-pounds is a proven scientific formula: The amount of force required to move one pound one foot. Many bow hunters mistakenly target speed (feet per second) over kinetic energy. FAQs about Kinetic Energy Levels for Deer Hunting with Bows 1. So if we have 100 ft-lb initial energy (at 0 yards), at 10 yards you can expect roughly 97-97 ft-lbs. The same goes when trying to kill or hunt a deer. Kinetic Energy is the power potential of the arrow at the target, which is based on the arrow’s weight and speed. Remember, that when hunting with an airgun, precision is EVERYTHING. but it’s recommended to get one with more power. The minimum kinetic energy required to humanely kill a deer is generally accepted to be around 1,000 ft. Unlock the secrets of FPE (Foot Pounds of Energy) in hunting with our comprehensive guide. delivered downrange on the target. Shoot a fast arrow; As already stated, the heavier draw weight is much better. The formula for K. Any crossbow that is capable of generating more than 100ft-lbs of kinetic energy can easily slay a deer. Feb 9, 2021 · Other arrow at the same 200 FPS may be pushing , say 45 ft-lbs because of the arrow weight. Soft point or hollow point ammunition can deliver reliable results with energy levels in the 3-5 ft-lb range. ft/lbs of Energy. Aug 28, 2024 · Even though most crossbows are shooting in excess of 400 feet per second, with some shooting up to 470, most arrows will lose speed, energy, and elevation past 50 yards. Big Game (Cape Buffalo, Grizzly Bear Mar 15, 2021 · The kinetic energy of this setup would be calculated by taking the arrow weight of 400, multiplying that by the speed of 297-squared, and dividing the result of that multiplication by 450,800 – which tells us that this bow and arrow setup produces 78 ft. So how much is needed for that giant moose or brown bear. As long as you make a good shot, that is. In my opinion, deliverd energy should at least be 1500 ft-lbs or greater, ideally in the 2000 ft-lb range. ) Jun 2, 2023 · Credit: www. placement when bow hunting. 497 slugs*. Lower-poundage bows are slower than higher-poundage models. 5 Draw at 66 lbs 432 Total Arrow Weight, 125 grain RamCat/Gold Tip 7595 ProHunter 287 fps at 79 lbs Kinetic Energy Jul 28, 2016 · Decades have passed since Col. Small Game (rabbit, groundhog, etc. 94 ft-lbs and . One of the first deer I ever shot at was with a 50# recurve, 600 grain arrows and a cut on contact broad head at 10 yds. I used to use bows of 80 lbs plus with 450 grain arrows and was only shooting around 225 fps many years ago. Brian M. Both have done the job well. Jan 29, 2011 · None of us have ever shot over 250 fps which is achievable with todays bows on low poundage. Feb 20, 2024 · How much kinetic energy for deer hunting? For deer hunting, it is recommended to have a minimum of 1000 ft-lbs of kinetic energy to ensure a clean and ethical kill. For the 25 ft-lbs. and Feb 21, 2008 · way to put it Tank. check out this below Kinetic Energy Hunting Usage < 25 ft. Jul 11, 2022 · After all, many deer have been killed throughout the years with compound bows shooting as little as 40-50 pounds of draw weight. But that is getting close to the bounce off level of energy. 1000 ft/lbs used by many people on this site as a guideline, not the rule. Use the following formula to calculate your arrow’s kinetic energy: KE = (Arrow Weight x Speed^2) / 450,240. 316 slugs of momentum. After the shot, immediately reload and prepare to shoot again. Heck, many kids bows can easily shoot such a light arrow faster than 170 fps, and I’ve seen such rigs do pass-throughs on deer! May 12, 2021 · A 350 grain arrow (the minimum weight recommended for a 70lb compound bow) moving at 320 feet per second (fps) has a kinetic energy of 79. of K. Spine Arrow For 60 Pound Bow ! Jan 4, 2017 · Fortunately for whitetail hunters, even the largest northern bucks are not all that big, and a bow-and- arrow combination that generates 50 ft. . lbs. g. Is there a maximum limit for ballistic energy when hunting deer? There is no set maximum limit, but it is important to use ammunition that will kill the deer effectively without causing unnecessary suffering. Therefore, one is far more likely to achieve a clean passthrough when taking shots at a reasonable distance than they do when taking lengthier shots. I lost two with my . Drive a target arrow into that same spinal column and Kinetic Energy. you measure a few feet in front of the bow as the arrow is released is nowhere near the K. I don’t like to leave people hanging when they ask me an archery question, so my answer is usually this: If you can pull back 35 pounds comfortably, you can probably work with a reputable bow technician to get a hunting bow setup capable of hitting the kinetic energy and momentum levels needed to ethically kill a deer. Aug 31, 2020 · The kinetic energy of an arrow (KE arrow) is equal to the arrow’s weight (grains) multiplied by the arrow’s velocity, squared (fps 2), divided by a constant (450,800). Another huge factor in successful long-range hunting is the hunter’s ability to hit the animal’s kill zone every single time. How Many Ft Lbs to Kill a Coyote . 1500 ft-lb is enough to push an expanded bullet through an elk doing grievous bodily injury as intended. Large Game (Elk, Black Bear, Boar): 42-65 ft/lbs. Oct 6, 2016 · Most kinetic energy charts are drafted in the closed conditions of indoor ranges, so they are usually just estimates for what you will really get in the field. 17 Fireball this year and think I need to upgrade to a . Sep 23, 2017 · They penetrate well and stay together. Deer are 1200 ft/lbs and 1000 ft/lbs minimum. 22 rimfire rifle to be lethal. -lbs. ” Energy can exist in many forms, and each form of energy can often be converted into other forms. range, we can drop that back to 6 grains per pound of draw weight. Feb 12, 2004 · Is there a standard or maybe average ratio of energy needed to kill per pound of animal? Say 400 ft-lbs minimum to kill a 200 pound white tail. To be specific with a particular weight, can you kill a deer with a 35-pound bow? Well, the answer is yes, but I suggest you take note of the following factors for a successful hunt. ) 25-41 ft. KE arrow = 370*430*430* = 151. One gentlemen, whos advice I trust completely, has a good formula. 469 slugs). There are a variety of opinions on how many ft lbs it takes to kill a coyote. take a bow with an ibo is just 310 FPS. , as stated in the “Harvesting Energy” report published by the Black Powder Cartridge News in 1997. Calculate the arrow’s speed in feet per second (FPS) using your bow’s specifications or a chronograph 4. 2-16. Reply; In most cases, a minimum of 250 foot-pounds of energy is recommended for hunting deer. Momentum, expressed as slug ft/s, should also be a key factor in optimizing a hunting setup for hogs. Depending on the bow you use and the arrows you use, your kinetic energy could range from 30 foot pounds at 30 yards to almost 125 foot pounds at 30 yards. That I why I wisely selected a bison (american buffalo) to try a load generating sub-part ballistic performance on, rather than risk wounding a tough 90 lb. Dec 7, 2023 · The arrow will penetrate deeper into the target if the kinetic energy is higher. 66 ft-lbs. These numbers are dependent on It has more to do with hunter ethics than anything. lbs of energy are necessary to humanely kill a deer. 1600 fps (or whatever the manufacturers spec is) is a good Guideline for how slow most high B. A 35-pound resistance can undoubtedly, down a whitetail deer, but with these key variables in place. While a . So, how fast is enough, and can it kill a deer? Sep 22, 2011 · The debate is further complicated by youth and female bowhunters, who are likely drawing less weight and shorter lengths. 90 will do as well. What happens if my bow has too much ft-pounds of energy? Excessive ft-pounds of energy can result in over-penetration, leading to less effective shots. eemil While lower end crossbows can’t even generate half of that. whitetail. Final thoughts. A higher draw weight means a faster arrow and more energy. Nov 24, 2015 · How many ft-lb does that take? It's a few inch-pounds), but the energy needed to push the expanded bullet through the animal. the minimun energy required to kill a deer It carries 1,000 ft-lbs of energy out to 800 yards. As you can confirm using the calculator above , if you have a very high FPS but low arrow mass, you risk low kinetic energy, and ultimately risk Jan 29, 2023 · This energy also dissipates rather quickly with each yard of arrow flight, meaning that a bolt or arrow strikes a target with much more kinetic energy at 20 yards than it does at 50 yards. 22 lr, etc. Meaning if you want to shoot 200 lb deer then 600 ft/lbs should do the job very nicely. So to be clear, my 1500 minimum energy is just my own personal untested theory. The dirty little secret that many who are promoting long-range hunting keep hidden is how difficult that can be under hunting You only need about 25 ft. Oct 8, 2016 · The unofficial rule regarding minimum KE to push an arrow through a deer is about 40 foot-pounds. 223. For hunting elk, a minimum of 40-50 ft-lbs of kinetic energy is recommended. My 12 year old nephew’s youth bow shoots just under 200 fps. If you are hunting large game, then your arrow has to be traveling faster. 050 slug fps. Based on that, let’s just say we need our arrows’ total weight to be about 8 grains per pound of draw weight if our bow is in the 60-lb. In a middle-range shoot, that should be able to bring down a whitetail deer without hassle. com reader Kyle Turner: "What is thought to be the minimum foot-pounds of energy required to dispatch anything from whitetail deer to moose humanely and ethically?" The most common figure thrown around when hunters discuss the energy required to ethically kill a whitetail is 1,000 ft. Oct 28, 2012 · The guy who tunes my bow said the bow chrono'd at 287fps with a 432 grain arrow. When hunting large-sized game such as elk, black bear, and wild boar, it is recommended to have ammunition with a kinetic energy range of 42-65 ft. Basically, about 40-60 pounds of kinetic energy is enough to kill a deer. lbs of KE. themeateater. how about an elk. of energy at the animal to cleanly take deer-size game. Oct 19, 2024 · The constant used to convert grains and fps into foot-pounds of energy (ft-lbs) Fixed value: 450,240: Converts grains and fps to the correct unit (ft-lbs). is: Mass x Velocity-squared divided by 450,240, with Mass the total arrow weight and Velocity the arrow speed. Thanks! An average draw weight goes from 25 to 125 pounds each. Estimate I hit them with around 350 foot pounds. Apr 2, 2012 · A compound bow that sends a light 325-grain broadhead/arrow shaft combination downrange at 245 fps generates an initial K. slct ztfdo opjkf ajxbku cvzupn nzgyd runccl zyih tapq icebc