Crossbows for bowhunting
A crossbow puts a compound-level draw weight on a mechanical trigger and a rifle-style stock. Modern hunt crossbows run 175-200 lb draw, IBO 400-505 fps, and produce 130-170 ft-lb kinetic energy. Check your state regulations before you buy: some states restrict crossbows to disabled tags in archery season.
How crossbows fit the archery-season rules
As of the 2026 season, 34 US states allow crossbows in general archery season for all hunters. 12 states restrict to disabled tags or late archery. Read your regulations pamphlet, not a forum post.
Three example crossbows with real specs
Ravin R500E
500 fps advertised IBO with a 400 gr bolt, 16 in axle-to-axle cocked, HeliCoil cam system, 200 lb draw. 176 ft-lb kinetic energy. ArcheryTalk crossbow forum users report sub-1 in groups at 60 yards from a lead sled.
Ten Point Nitro 505
505 fps IBO with a 400 gr bolt, 16 in ATA cocked, ACUslide crank cocker so anyone with a 5 lb pull can cock and de-cock safely. 170 ft-lb KE.
Excalibur Micro 360 Pro
Recurve crossbow. 360 fps IBO with a 350 gr bolt, 25 in ATA cocked, no cam service ever. Preferred by hunters who value simplicity over top-end speed.
Bolt weight vs speed
Advertised IBO uses the lightest bolt the maker rates. Every 25 gr you add drops speed 8-10 fps but adds penetration. Real hunt setup: 425-475 gr total, 100 gr broadhead, 15% FOC.
What bowhunters are saying
I hunt with a Ravin R500 and a Ten Point Nitro. Both hold under an inch at 50 yards with matched bolts. The Excalibur guys are right that string service is easier on a recurve xbow, but the reverse-cam bows carry easier in thick brush.
Petersen’s Bowhunting reader comment, October 2025 crossbow roundup