Knowing different parts of a crossbow bolt can be beneficial for hunters. It can assist them in choosing the right type of bolts for their crossbows. There are different types of bolts available. They are designed for crossbows with varying specifications. Some bolts may be more suitable for a particular type of crossbow as compared to others. Hunters can choose the right bolt by learning about the parts of a crossbow bolt.
Many beginners are confused between arrows and bolts. While arrows can be used with both a regular bow and a crossbow, bolts are specific to crossbows. Most individuals use the terms interchangeably, but they are referring to arrows most of the time. The primary difference between arrows and bolts is that arrows have fletchings and bolts don’t. Arrows suitable for crossbows are smaller as compared to those paired with compound bows.
Parts Of A Crossbow Bolt
Here are the main parts of a crossbow bolt or arrow. Every hunter who prefers crossbows should know of these.
1. Point or Head
The point refers to the tip at the front end of the crossbow bolt. It may also be called the head or the tip. A crossbow bolt’s head is sharp as it impacts the target first. Its sharpness is one of the factors that determine how well the crossbow bolt will penetrate the target. The point is manufactured to be sturdy so that it does not break under the force of impact. Crossbow bolt heads or points can be broadly classified into two types field points and broadheads.
Field Points
Bolts with field points are meant for target practice and, therefore, also called target points. They have a sharp tip, but the edges are blunt. It is adequate to lodge into a wooden target but not suitable for hunting. Many field points are removable and can be screwed or unscrewed from the shaft.
Broadheads
Bolts with a broadhead point are designed for hunting. They have sharp edges that can land a kill quickly. Broadheads may have fixed blades, removable blades (can be replaced when blunt), or expandable blades (open when the bolt hits the target).
2. Shaft
The body of a crossbow bolt is known as the shaft. It can be considered as the central structure to which all other parts of a crossbow bolt are attached. Aluminum alloys are the most common material used for making crossbow bolt shafts, followed by carbon fiber. The latter is employed for premium offerings. These materials are lightweight and sturdy, which makes them ideal.
There are two measurements associated with the shaft of a crossbow bolt – stiffness and grain. Stiffness, also called spine, dictates how much the bolt bends under force. A higher stiffness value denotes that the bolt is more resistant to bending or it has more spine. Crossbows with a higher draw weight require stiffer bolts. Lower draw weight models can be used with bolts of a lower stiffness rating.
Grain is the second measurement used for crossbow bolt shafts. It specifies the weight of the shaft and is denoted in either grains or Grains Per Inch (GPI). If it is measured in GPI, hunters can obtain the weight of the bolt by multiplying its length in inches with the GPI value.
Lighter bolts travel farther and faster and lose trajectory at a lower rate. Heavier bolts cover a shorter distance but have better penetration, making them suitable for large game hunting, like wild boars.
3. Fletching
The next part of a crossbow bolt is fletchings. They are located towards the rear end and shaped like fins. Their primary purpose is to stabilize the bolt’s flight path, which is known as the trajectory. Fletchings prevent the bolt from deviating left or right (yawning) and up or down (pitching) by acting as a stabilizer. In some bolts, it can be designed to rotate the bolt for spin-stabilization. The length of fletchings depends on how long the crossbow bolt is made. Technically speaking, only arrows have fletchings and not bolts.
4. Nock
Nock is the final part of a crossbow bolt located at the rear. It is made from plastic or aluminum and has a notch or groove. The string of the crossbow goes into this notch when it is drawn. It, the bow, transfers the propulsion power to the bolt through the groove in the nock. Some bolts also have flat nocks without any notch or groove. However, these were popular around a decade ago and are rarely used with modern crossbows. Hunters should check their crossbow manufacturer’s recommendations to find the best nock type for their weapon.