Arrow Velocity & Ballistics
An excerpt from Martin Archery's Page
Click on Graphic for full page
Arrow Trajectory
How far do arrows travel?
This graph shows bullet trajectory of the modern rifle and arrow
trajectory of the modern bow. The bullet will travel to 100 yards with very little drop in
trajectory.
Even a very fast arrow has a pronounced trajectory arc, therefore yardage estimation is
very critical to archery.
Trajectory of 170 grain 30-30 rifle projectile with a muzzle velocity
of 2200 f.p.s.
and Trajectory of 540 grain arrow with an initial velocity of 200 f.p.s
Down Range Trajectory.
The graph above compares the trajectory of an arrow and a bullet. Note the arrow dropped 114" at 50 yards, while the bullet dropped 0.9 at 50 yards. Comparing the difference in drop, bowhunting is a close-range sport that remains in the primitive spectrum.
60# Bow - 30" Draw
Before an arrow can penetrate a target, it must be directed toward that target accurately and in a manner that ensures that it is flying straight and true. This is necessary in order to direct the kinetic energy of the arrow along its longitudinal axis and precisely behind and in the line with the axis of the broadhead. If the flight of an arrow is characterized by fishtailing or porpoising some of the arrow’s energy is dissipated and penetration is reduced. Kinetic energy plays a major role in penetration. A lighter arrow will, through increased velocity, maintain nearly the same level of kinetic energy as a heavier arrow. (See photo to right) Example: Reducing the grain weight of an arrow by 100 grains will only reduce kinetic energy by 5% or less.
This information produced by:
Martin Archery, Inc. in conjunction with Norb Mullaney, Professional Engineer &
Director of Bow Testing.