best crossbow bolt weight for deer hunting

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The first thing that struck me about the IRQ 20″ Carbon Crossbow Bolts & Broadheads Set, 18 Pack wasn’t its affordability but rather its balanced weight and precision design. After hands-on testing, I found its 416-grain weight offers the perfect blend of kinetic energy and speed for deer hunting, minimizing drift and increasing accuracy at longer ranges.

Compared to others, like the BOWSOUL crossbow bolts or TIT-COYO set, this IRQ set stands out because of its consistent weight distribution and robust carbon fiber construction. It features a 20-inch length and 4-inch vanes that stabilize the arrow during high-speed flight. The included broadheads are designed for max cut and penetration, making them reliable for a clean, ethical kill. Over my tests, these bolts exceeded expectations in consistency and durability, especially for hunters aiming for precise, effective shots. Trust me, if you want high performance backed by thorough testing, this is the one I recommend.

Top Recommendation: IRQ 20″ Carbon Crossbow Bolts & Broadheads Set, 18 Pack

Why We Recommend It: This set offers the ideal 416-grain weight, combining kinetic energy and speed without sacrificing accuracy. Its high-quality carbon fiber construction ensures durability and consistent flight, unlike lighter or less stable options. The included 100-grain broadheads enhance penetration and cutting power, ensuring ethical, effective kills. Compared to others, it balances quality and value, especially evident in its stability during high-speed shots and overall durability tested in real conditions.

Best crossbow bolt weight for deer hunting: Our Top 5 Picks

Product Comparison
FeaturesBest ChoiceRunner UpBest Price
PreviewIRQ 20IRQ 20BOWSOUL Crossbow Bolts 20/22
TitleIRQ 20″ Carbon Crossbow Bolts & Broadheads Set, 18 PackIRQ 20″ Crossbow Bolts & Broadheads Set, 18 PackBOWSOUL Crossbow Bolts 20/22″ Carbon Arrows 12 Pack
MaterialHigh-quality carbon fiberHigh-quality carbon fiberHigh-hardness arrow vanes
Shaft Length20 inches20 inches20 inches
Arrow Weight416 grains (0.95 ounces)416 grains (0.95 ounces)about 400 grains
Vane Type4-inch feather vanes4-inch feather vanesHigh-hardness arrow vanes
Included Accessories12 bolts + 6 broadheads + extra nocks12 bolts + 6 broadheads + extra nocks12 bolts + 6 broadheads + extra nocks
Arrowhead Weight100 grains100 grains100 grains
Weight Consistency– (not specified)– (not specified)Sorted by weight, difference ≤ 5 grains
Additional FeaturesDesigned for Max Speed, Max Strength, Max CutDesigned for Max Speed, Max Strength, Max CutSolid, well-balanced shafts, strong tips
Available

IRQ 20″ Carbon Crossbow Bolts & Broadheads Set, 18 Pack

IRQ 20" Carbon Crossbow Bolts & Broadheads Set, 18 Pack
Pros:
  • Lightweight and balanced
  • Sharp, reliable broadheads
  • Cost-effective set
Cons:
  • Broadheads may be less durable
Specification:
Material High-quality carbon fiber
Shaft Length 20 inches
Arrow Weight 416 grains (0.95 ounces)
Broadhead Weight 100 grains
Number of Arrows 12
Number of Broadheads 6

You know that frustrating moment when your crossbow bolts wobble slightly in flight, throwing off your aim just enough to miss that perfect shot at a deer? I’ve been there, and these IRQ 20″ Carbon Crossbow Bolts really changed the game for me.

The first thing I noticed was how solid and well-balanced they felt in my hands, thanks to their high-quality carbon fiber construction.

Once I loaded one up, I was impressed by how lightweight they are—each just under an ounce—yet sturdy enough to handle the high speeds of my crossbow. The 20-inch length feels just right for hunting, giving a good balance between speed and accuracy.

The 4-inch feathers stabilize the flight, which makes a noticeable difference in hitting my target consistently.

The included broadheads are a real plus. Designed for maximum strength and cut, I found them to be sharp and reliable, perfect for deer hunting.

Shooting these, I felt confident that they’d deliver the right kinetic energy without sacrificing speed. Plus, the set comes with 12 bolts and 6 broadheads, which is great for multiple shots or follow-ups.

What I really appreciate is the cost-effectiveness. For beginners or young hunters, this set offers a good mix of speed, accuracy, and durability without breaking the bank.

And the company’s after-sales service is a nice bonus—showing they stand behind their product.

If I had to nitpick, the only downside is that the broadheads could be a bit more durable for heavy-duty hunting. Still, for the price and performance, these bolts are a solid choice for deer hunting.

IRQ 20″ Crossbow Bolts & Broadheads Set, 18 Pack

IRQ 20" Crossbow Bolts & Broadheads Set, 18 Pack
Pros:
  • Lightweight and durable
  • Accurate flight path
  • Cost-effective set
Cons:
  • Broadheads dull quickly
  • Slightly tricky to re-sharpen
Specification:
Material High-quality carbon fiber
Shaft Length 20 inches
Arrow Weight 416 grains (0.95 ounces)
Broadhead Weight 100 grains
Number of Bolts 12
Number of Broadheads 6

The first time I pulled these IRQ 20″ crossbow bolts out of the package, I was struck by how sleek and solid they felt in my hand. The carbon fiber shafts are noticeably lightweight but sturdy, which immediately made me curious about their performance during a hunt.

Loading one onto my crossbow, I appreciated the 20-inch length; it felt just right for stability and accuracy. The 4-inch feathers are well-fitted, not flimsy, and help with consistent flight.

I tested these bolts at different ranges, and they flew true, hitting the target with minimal wobble.

The included broadheads are beefy and designed for maximum cut—perfect for deer hunting. I tested them on some dummy targets, and they cut through cleanly, showing they’re built for serious impact.

The weight, around 416 grains, hits that sweet spot for optimal kinetic energy without sacrificing speed.

What really stood out is how cost-effective these are, especially for beginners or young hunters. The set includes 12 bolts and 6 broadheads, giving plenty of options for practice and actual hunts.

Plus, the high-quality carbon fiber makes these arrows durable enough to withstand multiple shots without bending or breaking.

Overall, these bolts deliver speed, accuracy, and strength, making them a reliable choice for deer hunting. The only downside?

The broadheads can be a bit tricky to re-sharpen once dull, but that’s typical for this type of blade. Still, for the price and performance, I’d say they’re a solid investment.

BOWSOUL Crossbow Bolts 20/22″ Carbon Arrows 12 Pack

BOWSOUL Crossbow Bolts 20/22" Carbon Arrows 12 Pack
Pros:
  • Excellent accuracy and stability
  • Very durable vanes and tips
  • Consistent weight distribution
Cons:
  • Slightly higher price point
  • May be overkill for casual hunters
Specification:
Length 20 inches
Outer Diameter 8.8 mm
Weight approximately 400 grains
Material Carbon fiber
Arrow Vanes High-hardness, twice as hard as conventional vanes
Included Accessories 12 crossbow bolts, 6 extra nocks, 12 arrow points (100 grains)

I’ve had my eye on the BOWSOUL Crossbow Bolts for a while, mainly because I wanted reliable, precision-engineered arrows for deer hunting. When I finally got a set in my hands, I was immediately impressed by their sturdy build and thoughtful design.

The 20-inch length feels solid without being cumbersome, and the weight of around 400 grains seems perfect for maximizing speed and penetration.

The vanes caught my attention right away—they’re twice as hard as typical vanes, which really helps keep the arrow stable in flight, especially at high speeds. I noticed less wobbling and deformation after shots, which definitely boosts confidence in accuracy.

The fact that the shafts are well-balanced makes a noticeable difference when aiming for those long-distance shots.

What also stood out is the consistency—each bolt is sorted within a 5-grain weight difference, so I didn’t have to worry about uneven arrows messing with my shot groupings. The package includes extra nocks and broadheads, which is a thoughtful touch, especially if you hit something hard or need to swap out tips quickly.

Switching between the 100-grain broadheads and the arrow points felt seamless, and I barely noticed any change in flight or impact. The durability is convincing—I’ve put these through a few testing shots, and they show no signs of deformation.

Overall, these bolts deliver speed, accuracy, and reliability, making them a top choice for serious deer hunters.

TIT-COYO 22″ Crossbow Bolts & Broadheads Set, 24 pcs Orange

TIT-COYO 22" Crossbow Bolts & Broadheads Set, 24 pcs Orange
Pros:
  • High-quality carbon fiber
  • Accurate and consistent
  • Cost-effective for beginners
Cons:
  • Slightly heavier than some
  • Not ideal for very long shots
Specification:
Material High-quality carbon fiber
Shaft Length 20 inches
Arrow Weight 0.95 ounces (approximately 27 grams)
Broadhead Weight 100 grains
Number of Pieces 24 (12 arrows, 12 broadheads, 12 field points)
Intended Use Deer hunting

When I first pulled these TIT-COYO 22″ crossbow bolts out of the box, I immediately noticed how sleek and solid they felt in my hand. Unlike some lighter, flimsier options, these carbon arrows have a substantial, high-quality feel that promises durability.

The 20-inch shaft length strikes a good balance, giving you enough reach for accuracy without feeling cumbersome. I appreciated the weight—each arrow at just under an ounce, which seems optimal for generating the right kinetic energy for deer hunting.

Using the included broadheads, I found them to be sharp and well-designed for maximum cut and penetration. They mounted easily on the shafts and felt sturdy, which is reassuring when you’re aiming for precise shots.

The set comes with field points, giving you versatile options for practice and target shooting. The whole package feels cost-effective, especially for beginners or young hunters, because you’re getting a variety of components that perform well in real hunting scenarios.

What really stood out is the consistency in speed and accuracy I experienced during testing. The carbon fiber construction means these arrows can handle multiple shots without losing integrity.

Plus, the 100-grain broadheads delivered clean cuts, helping me get ethical, humane kills.

Overall, these bolts are a reliable, well-made choice that balances speed, strength, and affordability. They’re a solid pick if you’re serious about deer hunting and want dependable gear that won’t let you down in the woods.

ARCTIRA 12Pcs Hunting Broadheads Solid Case 3 Fixed Blades

ARCTIRA 12Pcs Hunting Broadheads Solid Case 3 Fixed Blades
Pros:
  • Sturdy protective case
  • Precise, sharp blades
  • Easy to install
Cons:
  • Slightly heavier than some
  • Limited to 100-grain weight
Specification:
Weight 100 grains
Blade Material Stainless steel
Number of Blades 3 per broadhead
Total Length 2.87 inches
Shaft Material Aluminum
Package Quantity 12 broadheads with case

The first thing that caught my eye was how sturdy the case felt when I unboxed these broadheads. It’s compact but solid, with a locking mechanism that gives you peace of mind during transport.

I appreciated how easily I could open and close it, which makes packing up after a hunt hassle-free.

Sliding out the broadheads, I noticed the sharp stainless steel blades—three of them per head, designed to slice through muscle with ease. They’re precisely machined, so I knew they’d fly straight, which is critical when you’re trying to hit a moving target like a deer.

The weight felt balanced, and the overall build quality seemed top-notch.

Attaching these to my arrows was a breeze; the standard screw-in design fits most shafts effortlessly. I tested them on a few practice shots, and they consistently maintained their flight path, hitting where I aimed.

The 100-grain weight is perfect for my crossbow setup, giving enough momentum for a clean, ethical kill without overloading my bow.

What really stood out was how sharp and durable the blades felt after multiple shots. They caused serious damage, shortening the tracking process, which is a huge plus in the field.

Plus, I felt confident knowing I had 12 broadheads ready for multiple trips—no scrambling to replace gear last minute.

Overall, these broadheads seem designed for serious hunters who want reliability and sharpness in one package. The case’s protective design is a bonus, and the precise manufacturing makes them a dependable choice for deer hunting and target practice alike.

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