How far will a crossbow shoot?

Many people have the perception that crossbows are more like guns than bows. The truth of the matter is that crossbows are very similar to bows both in design and performance. Crossbows have a very short power stroke as compared to compound bows which limit the speed and performance of the crossbow. Most crossbows shoot a 20" bolt at about 240-280 feet/second, which is quick, but not much better than the average hunting bow. Therefore, we encourage hunters to shoot a maximum distance of 40 yards. Now, of course a crossbow can shoot accurately much further than this as can a compound bow. But keeping in mind that crossbows are much noisier, and you are shooting at a moveable target, not a piece of foam, the 40 yard maximum range will prove to be the most effective.  more