Crossbow target failure

Using a Ravin R29 cossbow that is rated at 430 feet per second. Purchase a suitable target rated at 450 fps. Distance is 50 yards, getting the scope dialed in and everything looks pretty good. Target is new and arrows are not going into previous holes, then two arrows go so far into the target fletchings disappear inside. Only way to get arrows removed is to pull them out from the exit side of the target. Unfortunately that wrecks the fletchings, which now need replaced. Bummer.

 

I avoid target practice with the crossbow, as much as possible, once the bow is zeroed in. For the specific reason
that it saves on fletching repairs.

 

Ouch sorry you hate to see it!

 

Yep.

I use a Bitzenburger.

https://www.3riversarchery.com/bitzenburger-dial-o-fletch-fletching-jig.html

Sheesh, those have really gone up. I bought one new in 2009 for $45. They are really beating inflation on those prices. Either way, at the time they were manufactured 15 minutes from where I am from in MI so that is why I bought it then. I have since scooped up a few more on the second hand market.

Anyone really into archery, even moderately, should have a fletching jig. It pays for itself pretty fast.

And that Pro tip is something that the the pro shop staff should know but most don’t.

 

I used an Arizona fletching jig when I used to use aluminum arrows. It was about $19 at the time. I see now that it is just under $60. Kinda steep for what it is.

 

I have the exact same target as pictured. Tears my fletchings up also

 

The heat shrink fleetchings would work nice here.

 

The Rhinehart 450fps target (pictured above) is the one that failed to stop the arrows. Thinking as these crossbow velocities increase the target technology has not kept pace. Gotta wonder how Rhinehart comes up with that rating and how it's achieved....how many arrows did the marketing people try before printing that spec on the cover?

 

I got some work to do too.......

 

If you have a 3D printer handy, there are some nice fletching tools on thingiverse. I have one saved and I’m waiting for my first set of checks at the new job to treat myself.

And the truck about superglue on the leading edge… yeah. Place the bolt vertical (i use a drilled 2x4 scrap piece) and put the glue on about 1/4” above the vane and intentionally put enough for it to barely run to the vane. Makes a nice smooth aerodynamic transition that is strong, slick, and easy. I started doing that with vertical bow arrows about 20 years ago.