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Archery Gear Bows & Arrows

Best Crossbow Bolts (2024) for Hunting & Target Practice

The number of crossbow hunters is rising every day due to the easy availability of low-priced crossbows and an increased number of states that now allow crossbow hunting. If you’re one of them, you need to know your hunting gear well to make a clean, humane kill every time you step into the wild.

Crossbow bolts are the most essential crossbow accessory and can make a real difference. But how do you make your choice? How do you select the best arrows for crossbows? This is where RangerExpert comes in.

Our archery devotees and toxophilites spent a lot of time hunting for the best crossbow bolts from a myriad of choices. We’ll review some of the top quality bolts on the market and provide a buying guide so you can choose the best crossbow arrows whether you want them for hunting, or target shooting.

Let’s jump right into it!

Our Thoroughly Reviewed Crossbow Bolts

1 Carbon Express PileDriver (Editor’s Choice)

Carbon Express PileDriver

The Carbon Express PileDriver is your top choice if you want superior construction, stability, and kinetic energy. It’s made from high-quality carbon composite, which is known for its durability and reliability. Unlike most cheap crossbow bolts for sale, they are created for repeated use, so they don’t break or get damaged upon impact.

The PileDriver weighs 442 grains which is quite heavy, making it the ideal option for use with a high-power crossbow and when shooting down a big game. Its straightness measures around +/- 0.004 inches which combines with the 4-inch vane fletchings for consistency in flight and better accuracy.

It comes with both moon and flat nocks, so you can swap them if you’re concerned about issues with slipping and alignment.

This product costs a little under $40, which is a reasonable bargain considering its many premium features. However, few archers complained that it was difficult to find the bolt in the woods because of the green colors that blended with the vegetation. Besides, the lack of field points as advertised was a turn off to many.

Pros

  • Has both flat and moon nocks
  • Hugely heavy
  • Ideal for large animals
  • Superb stiffness and spine
  • Durable and reusable

Cons

  • Difficult to find in the woods
  • Field tips not included

Our Verdict

If you are looking for heavier bolts that are able to generate bone-crushing kinetic force with superior knock-down capacity, Carbon Express has your back. These bolts are the heaviest in this series, making them our favorite for targeting larger prey.

They’re dependable, affordable, and reusable, so you’ll always get the best results from your shots. They trounce other types and models of crossbow bolts by a huge margin.

2 BARNETT 16075 (Great for Field Practice)

BARNETT 16075

Designed for outstanding performance, the BARNETT 16075 will deliver the right speed and accuracy for your target shooting sessions. These standard, 20 inch crossbow bolts are super versatile, so you can also use them as compound bow arrows.

Each pack weighs about 400 grains including the 100-grain inserts, so they’re a little lighter than our first choice. The inserts provide the perfect balance against wind action, allowing the bolts to travel at consistently high-speeds.

The product comes with moon nocks which are glued to the shaft such that you can easily remove them by breaking the glue.

However, due to being the lightest model on our list, there’s the possibility that you might miss the target when shooting from a long distance. Also, it’s only suitable for target practice and hunting small animals.

Pros

  • Suitable for diverse crossbows
  • Replaceable tip
  • Fast and consistent speed
  • Best for practice

Cons

  • Not ideal for larger targets

Our Verdict

This crossbow bolt is perfect for simple practice shootings. It can run at high-speed without experiencing a wind drag, thanks to the 100 grains inserts. It’s available in packs of 1, 2, and 4, which makes it extremely affordable for all categories of users.

Barnett also sells headhunter bolts 22 at a great price point but 16075 appears to supersede the former.

3 Carbon Express Maxima RED Carbon Arrows (Best Built)

Carbon Express Maxima RED Carbon Arrows

The Maxima is another product from the Carbon Express series which has become the favorite of most Pro hunters. The shaft makeup is unique, always resulting in an outstanding performance, so it’s worth the investment.

Its production technology involves the combination of various carbon materials for maximum strength, durability, and accuracy. The spine’s quality is exceptional, such that you’ll enjoy better consistency of broadheads’ flight.

Carbon Express ensures that the straightness is within the acceptable standard of 1/10,000 of an inch. Therefore, this Maxima model boasts an accuracy of +/- 0.0025 inch, which is even more consistent than our top pick. It arrives at a length of 32 inches with loose inserts so that you can cut it to your desired length.

This one is available in sizes of 250 and 350 grains for you to select depending on your shooting style. Also, other sections of the shaft are painted in red to prevent its loss in the woods.

Apart from the complaint that it didn’t come with field tips, we didn’t have any negative experience with this arrow.

Pros

  • Excellent straightness
  • High-quality construction
  • Great consistency
  • Available in different sizes
  • Arrives uncut

Cons

  • No field tips

Our Verdict

This product is a well-made arrow that is inarguably consistent with the industry standards. It groups well just like the Wolverine series, and being available in many sizes makes it an ideal choice for any condition.

Whether you’re searching for the best crossbow bolts for deer hunting or target practicing, the Maxima RED Carbon Arrows won’t disappoint you.

4 Carbon Express Maxima Hunter Bufftuff Plus (Great for Small Game)

Carbon Express Maxima Hunter Bufftuff Plus

By now, you must have realized that the Carbon Express means business when it comes to the production of top-notch hunting/archery arrows. Our next contestant is no exception. The Maxima Hunter Bufftuff Plus features dual spine technology for effective energy management, speed consistency, and accuracy.

Like our No 3 choice, this BuffTuff version has a straightness of +/- 0.0025 which is a guarantee of the company’s commitment to quality. Also, with the unique Mossy Oak Treestand covering on the shaft and high-speed travel, the prey will hardly see it coming.

The BuffTuff comes in the 20-inch and 22-inch sizes, so you’ll not need many adjustments before taking it to the field.

However, we noticed that many were uncomfortable with the 4-inch vanes instead of the advertised 3-inch ones, but it wasn’t an issue for us.

It’s still affordable as it comes with a variety of great features making it a worthy investment even for the beginner archer. Though not as trendy as our previous models, it is one of the top rated choices out there.

Pros

  • Dual spine weight
  • Faster bolt recovery
  • Excellent speed retention
  • Unparalleled accuracy
  • Treestand Camo

Cons

  • Didn’t come with the 3-inch vanes as advertised.

Our Verdict

This product offers unbeatable straightness, speed, and consistency. This 20-inch ammunition is just what you need for small game hunting.

5 Blood Sport 8110003 20-inch Crossbow Bolts (Great for Deer Hunting)

Blood Sport 8110003 20-inch Crossbow Bolts

This Blood Sport bolt has earned the trust of many hunters since it works pretty well on both high-speed and the traditional 150 lbs crossbows. Besides, if you opt for broadheads or field tips, you can customize the weight to suit your bow.

The Blood Sport 20-inch bolt doesn’t have field points but comes with both brass inserts and half-moon nocks like most models on this list.

It’s sturdy, having straightness of +/- 0.003, so it works well with 350 fps. Each of the bolts features the 4-inch vanes, which are quite durable and capable of maintaining strict flight consistency.

Pros

  • Great value for the money
  • Sustainable force
  • High-grade carbon
  • Deep penetration

Cons

  • Without field points

Our Verdict

These are simply the top-of-the-shelf crossbow arrows for deer hunting. The bolts easily balance on both high-speed and standard crossbows. Besides, the ability to maximize speed and penetration make them our perfect option for deer hunting.

6 M.A.K 20” Crossbow Bolts

M.A.K 20” Crossbow Bolts

If your focus is on both hunting and target practice, the MAK 20” will meet all your needs. Each of the bolts come with a durable and modulus carbon fiber shaft, 125-grain inserts, and half-moon nocks. You can replace the field points with broadheads by screwing them to the inserts, so they’re suitable for large and small games.

The bolts are lightweight and fly straight, hitting the target at the intended spot. They come with 4” waterproof TPU rubber vanes which keep the flight balanced and consistent irrespective of the weather condition.

Unlike most models on this list, the M.A.K 20? series contains 12 pieces per pack, so you’ll always have enough arrows to work with.

However, the bolts weren’t as durable as most of our top picks, but this wasn’t a deal-breaker for us considering its price.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Replaceable tips
  • Suitable for hunting and target shooting
  • Waterproof vanes

Cons

  • Little issues with durability

Our Verdict

These are excellent hunting and target practice bolts for pro and amateur shooters. The option to replace the tips allows you to take down both large and small prey per your desire.

Though they aren’t very durable, they are capable enough to satisfy your hunting and target practice needs. If convenience and affordability are what you’re looking for, these are some of the best crossbow bolts out there.

7 ANTSIR Carbon Crossbow Bolts

ANTSIR Carbon Crossbow Bolts

ANTSIR Carbon crossbow bolts feature high-grade carbon shafts that retain their characteristics even under repeated use. Each arrow has a length of 20 inches and weighs around 28 g, which combines with the 125-grain inserts to provide maximum shot accuracy and penetration.

The outer diameter is 8.8mm, while the inner diameter measures at 7.6mm. Like the HEA-620.3 model, this ANTSIR package has 12 arrows. The four-inch vanes have two blue and a single white color to help you distinguish them from other objects in the woods.

The ANTSIR boasts of a superior level of accuracy which allows you to shoot at the target from a relatively long distance. It also means that you’ll hunt in areas with plenty of wild prey with confidence.

However, you should avoid hitting concrete walls or hard objects to prevent damages to the bolts.

It’s only negative was that we lost most of the inserts when taking the shots, but this wasn’t a turn-off for us since you can glue it back to fix.

Pros

  • Great accuracy and penetration
  • High-grade carbon shafts
  • Excellent precision
  • Blue and white vanes

Cons

  • Tendency to lose inserts

Our Verdict

These bolts are so accurate and you will see that for yourself if you have some archery skill. The vanes are easy to straighten out with a little application of heat.

The price is attractive, so you won’t have to break the bank to enjoy these excellent features. If you’re searching for the most affordable crossbow bolts for the money, this one can be a really good option.

8 Black Eagle Executioner Crossbow Fletched Carbon Arrows

Black Eagle Executioner Crossbow Fletched Carbon Arrows

Black Eagle designed this Executioner model for archers who crave for high accuracy and higher speed. These sturdy yet slim fletched arrows flaunt some of the advanced features that you’d need for greater performance.

The carefully inserted brass inside the arrow adds to the total weight which is perfect for attaining higher accuracy without losing an iota of kinetic energy at the time of shooting. Trust me, when you put this bad boy in a crossbow it will turn deadly in no time.

Our field testing confirmed one vital point about these Executioners crossbow arrow models, that is– you must have this model for your crossbow to get the best results. We found that the arrow units came with an astounding ±.010 spine deviation rate of straightness. That’s a pretty good number you could say.

All Fletched Arrows including 22? and 20? feature X Vanes and 3? Bohning. On the other hand, 18? features Blazer Vanes with a length of 2?.

Another crucial feature is that the nocks of these arrows have been pressed fit, whereas most other manufacturers glue them. Glued nocks are not as hard as the pressed ones.

For an 18? arrow you’ll get 92 grains of executioner brass inserted while for 20? the amount is 110 grains. This means the quality has not been compromised in any of the units.

Pros

  • Capacity for converting total kinetic energy to speed
  • 20-inch and 22-inch shafts come with three inches’ vanes designed by Bohning X
  • Shafts come with executioner brass inserts
  • Both flat and half-moon nocks come with the package
  • Nocks are pressed fit

Cons

  • Sometimes fletches require re-alignment

Our Verdict

We must say that the Black Eagle did a good job in designing these arrows at an affordable price range. Although some users complained about build quality, we found them well-built and accurate enough to get the job done.

We believe you’ll get the confidence you need when shooting with these. Our only recommendation would be – re-align the fletch when needed for a better result. If performance is your thing, the Eagle Executioner Crossbow Arrows can be one of the Best Crossbow Bolts you can get your hands on.

9 Tenpoint Pro Lite 20-Inch Carbon Crossbow Arrow

Tenpoint Pro Lite 20-Inch Carbon Crossbow Arrows

Tenpoint Pro Lite carbon crossbow bolts are designed with your success in mind, and that’s seen is its ability to hold 3 inch groups, 11.9% speed loss, and 25.2% loss of Kinetic Energy over 50 yards.

Fitted with a 25 grain aluminum insert, it delivers a balance at 10% front of center (FOC). The straightness of the shaft stands at +/- 0.003 with a weight tolerance of two grains per dozen. It means you can expect a greater level of accuracy, which is consistent with each bolt.

We also like the patented green (light) SUPERBRITE OMNI-NOCK nocks with six grooves with three bowstring channels that eliminate most of the challenges you’ll likely face when using other nock types.

This model has a standard weight of 370 grains, and that includes 100-grain practice tip. So, you can expect better flight stability and deeper penetration like with the PileDriver bolts. However, we noticed that changing the nocks is difficult, especially for those without the right tools in their arsenal.

Pros

  • Durable
  • A greater level of precision
  • Heavy and fast
  • High rating

Cons

  • Removing nocks was challenging

Our Verdict

This is designed to eliminate most of the issues you’ll face when using bolts with flat nocks. If you’re out there searching for a durable aluminum crossbow bolt that is heavy, fast, and accurate, this one can be one of your best options.

Other TenPoint (often misspelled as 10 Point) models you might also be interested in: Wicked Ridge Invader X4, Wicked Ridge RDX 400, Pro Elite 400 Carbon.

10 Victory Crossbow Bolts

Victory Crossbow Bolts

With 100% carbon shaft, the Victory crossbow bolt is perfect for both pro and enthusiasts alike. Like the Omni Brite series, this one features a lighted nock which allows you to monitor the path of flight and easily spot the kill.

The lights work well and switch off pretty quickly. However, the batteries aren’t replaceable; instead, you’ll change the lighted nocks. Besides, the design of the light button will prevent you from using it with your Barnett Quad 400 crossbow, so, you may need a second thought before buying.

You can easily opt for 20 or 22-inch sizes since they both cost around $70. They’re lightweight with a total weight of 320 grain for 20 inches and 327 grain for 22-inch versions.

We observed that these illuminated bolts’ accuracy was pretty fantastic, thanks to brass inserts which provided the balance against wind action.

Pros

  • Red lighted nocks
  • Brass inserts
  • Fantastic accuracy and penetration
  • Available in 20/22 inch lengths
  • Easy to turn off

Cons

  • Batteries not replaceable

Our Verdict

Right bolts, with helix-shaped vanes that propels it beautifully in the air when you fire. The bright red light nocks allow you to spot where your arrow falls even under dim light. So, if you’re looking for bolts with illumination at an affordable rate, this is the right choice for you.

Best Crossbow Bolts – Comprehensive Buying Guide

Crossbow bolts buying guide

1. Material

The primary makeup of crossbow bolts is aluminum, fiberglass, and carbon.

Aluminum bolts – They are the cheapest but easily bends upon hitting animals with tough skins. So, they’re less durable and can only create deep cuts on soft targets. However, aluminum bolts are perfect for practicing because of their affordability.

Carbon bolts – These are expensive, durable, and offer deeper penetration. Since they don’t easily break or bend, most archers use them for shooting at dense objects.

Fiberglass bolts – They have the advantage of flexibility and durability over other materials. However, when the bent is much, they shatter into pieces such that could injure the user.

Hybrid/Compound Material – Most companies create faster and durable bolts by combining aluminum and carbon. The ancient crossbow bolts were made of wood though.

2. Length & Diameter

Since a bolt length varies between 15 to 22 inches, there’s always the perfect fit for your crossbow. Ensure that you check with the manufacturer to avoid buying one that is longer or shorter than your bow. Of course, any deviation from the right specification will hamper your success.

The diameter of the bolt affects the depth of penetration. Mini bolts are more durable and experience less wind drag, boosting its power and speed.

3. Kinetic Energy

Most archers place more focus on speed when choosing their arrows; however, you’ll need a heavy bolt with adequate kinetic energy to shoot down large prey. Tuning of the bow can add to this.

The source of the kinetic energy comes from the string that stores the energy when cocking and loading the crossbow.

4. Weight

Crossbow weight is in grains per inch (GPI). Since the bow delivers the same power at the point of release, this means that lighter bolts travel faster, but heavier ones possess more power that results in deeper penetration.

Bolts are available in standard-weight, lightweight, and heavyweight categories; so it’s ideal to understand which works for you.

Standard weight – Weighing around 350 to 400 and 425 grains, they provide the perfect balance between speed and kinetic energy. Most crossbow companies prefer standard-weights since they work on almost all bows.

Besides, the little increase in weight causes more energy transfer from the string to the bolt, resulting in better shot accuracy and object penetration.

Lightweight – Quarrels that weigh less than 350 grains are classified as lightweight. They have the highest speed, making it an excellent choice for competition shootings.

When it comes to target shooting, these are usually considered the best crossbow bolts. However, lightweight bolts are more susceptible to wind and weather, so they’re not the most accurate.

Heavyweight – These types weigh over 400 grains and have the highest kinetic energy, so they’ll cause considerable damage to the skin. Heavyweight bolts are stable during flight and are less affected by wind.

However, they have the least speed and would drop when shooting from a long distance. They’re the ideal option for engaging bigger games like elk and bear.

5. Nocks

These parts enable you to connect the bolt to the string of the crossbow before firing and also help in maximizing energy transfer. They’re made of plastic or aluminum and fall under flat, half-moon, half-moon hybrid, and lighted types.

Flat nocks – They’re straight and easy to use, allowing you to align the arrows to your most ideal point. However, you should be smart to prevent the bolt from slipping from the string when you’re about to discharge it.

Half-moon nocks – This design allows you to attach the bolt to the string securely to prevent it from slipping before shooting.

Half-moon hybrid nocks – They have many grooves such that you can choose your best position.

Lighted – This is the latest bolt design and has become popular among pro and amateur hunters. It lights up the flight path, allowing you to monitor the movement and quickly locate the point of the hit.

6. Head

Ideally, the two crossbow heads include target points and broadheads.

Target points – They don’t create deep cuts because of their seemingly blunt edges. So, you’ll only use them for smaller games or practice shooting. Crossbow bolt target points weigh around 125 to 150 grain.

You can also find 380-grain ones. So before replacing, ensure that the new has the same weight as the original to prevent injuries or possible damages to the bow.

Broadheads – They have sharp edges, resulting in a quicker and easier kill. You can opt for expandable, fixed, or removable blade broadheads.

7. Shaft

Another name for the main body of the bolt is the shaft since it accommodates the other components. They’re mostly made of carbon or aluminum.

8. Spine

The shafts’ degree of stiffness is referred to as spine. Depending on the material of construction, more robust bolts are more durable and resistant to bends. There are chances that you’ll miss the target if the spine is below the acceptable standard.

9. Manufacturer’s Warranty

Since most arrows are designed for one-time use, they hardly come with a warranty. Instead, opt for reputable brands and read authentic crossbow bolts reviews made by genuine customer reviews to have a clue about the overall quality.

How Do Crossbow Bolts Differ from Arrows?

How Do Crossbow Bolts Differ from Arrows

Both crossbows and arrows are both medieval tools with renewed design and precision enhancement. We’ve traced these as far back to Roman times.

They both use a similar shooting mechanism. You won’t find much difference between bolts and arrows with a quick look. But you need to get familiar with their characteristics to make an informed buying decision.

Not too long ago, crossbows used bolts while compound bows shot arrows. Also, bolts used to be shorter in length, around 16 to 22 inches while arrows ranged from 31 to 35 inches.

Arrows also had stabilizing vanes at the back, which affected their overall performance per speed, weight, and trajectory when compared to the best bolts for crossbows.

However, as crossbows are being integrated into mainstream archery more and more everyday, the difference between bolts and arrows are rapidly shrinking. Nowadays there are no practical differences between those two.

FAQs

Q. 1: Does crossbow length matter?

Ans. Bolts range from 16 to 22 inches, but the most popular are the 20-inch types. Most archers can use longer bolts, but using one that’s shorter than necessary could prevent the smooth exit of the tips putting you at risk.

Q. 2: Do crossbow bolts have fletchings?

Ans. Yes, fletchings make bolts stable to maintain speed during flight.

Q. 3: Can I reuse crossbow bolts?

Ans. As long as the bolt is not damaged upon impact, you can reuse it. Find the best rated choices out there to make sure you can reuse them.

Q. 4: How to weigh a crossbow bolt?

Ans. First multiply the bolt’s length by the grains. For example, 20-inch x 15 grains/inch = 300 grains. Then add weights of the fletchings, nock, and inserts.

Q. 5: How much does a crossbow drop?

Ans. Bolt’s trajectory stands at 350 ft/s, 36 yards. However, the arrow type, crossbow speed, and sighting could affect the range of drop.

Q. 6: Do crossbow bolts have nocks?

Ans. Yes. Plastic nocks are cheap but may shatter when used with powerful bows while Aluminum is expensive and can withstand high-speed crossbows.

Q. 7: How many bolts should I buy?

Ans. You can buy as many as you can afford or you can make your own bolts. However, choose at most a dozen, six for hunting and the other half for target practice and keep them in a good crossbow bolt case and carry with you on a quiver or bolt holder.

Q. 8: What size bolts do I need for my crossbow?

Ans: Most bolts fall in between 22” to 16” when it comes to length. Most bolts that you commonly find on the market are 20 inches. You should maintain the recommended length. You can try a longer one, but if you go for any size shorter than the recommended, you are increasing the risk for unfortunate accidents.

Q. 9: Does a crossbow shoot bolts?

Ans: Arrows are any bolt that is longer than 16 inches in length. That is a common length for a crossbow in today’s market. That’s why modern crossbows don’t have problems shooting arrows. But, crossbows are also designed to shoot smaller arrows, aka bolts.

Q. 10: Which is better – aluminum or carbon crossbow bolts?

Ans: Both aluminum and carbon bolts have their pros and cons. Aluminum bolts are heavier than carbon fiber but they are less expensive. Carbon bolts are lighter yet stronger and more prone to bending. Aluminum bolts don’t bend as much. Some shooters prefer carbon bolts over the aluminum ones, while some prefer aluminum for being less pricey.

About the author

Catherine Weeks

Cathy believes that hunting is not about downing an animal; rather, it’s about enjoying the purity of this challenge and making a connection with nature.

She loves country music, horses, shooting, and hunting; and spends her weekends in the great outdoors with her husband and two kids.

Though Cathy has hunted most of her life, it was not until her partner gave her a bow that she realized she had finally found her passion.

She is always determined to share her missed opportunities, dedication, emotions, and small details that people often forget to mention when they talk about their hunting experiences.

Cathy also works to promote wildlife preservation and protect natural resources. She thinks “patience” is the most important thing that can make a big difference.

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