wood arrows & compound bows

[Timelord]

I get your reasoning..

For a light projectile travelling "very fast" having more energy than a heavy projectile travelling slow, then the "very fast" is outside the parameters of the question. The myriad of variables need not be added to a specific scientific question. The same bow and the same size arrows will equal not that different a launching velocity. As you point out that some carbon arrows can be heavier than wooden ones for the same given size - then that answers my original question.

From this, what really matters is the mass of the arrow itself for the same given size. Would a greater mass/heavier arrow be any more beneficial than a lighter arrow. The heavy arrow may be a bit slower to launch but the light arrow would not be "very fast" in comparison. They would both be within a relative range with all factors equal other than the mass. (Supersonic vs subsonic is not a suitable analogy. The launching & terminal ballistics are very different between the two sonics.)

Pre supersonic projectiles, the martial concept leaned towards heavier projectiles for stopping power. This can be seen in the size of pistol & musket balls. Slow loading weapons needed one shot stopping power and a larger energy dump on target was also more effective against any form of layered protection. How relevant this is to any preppers considerations is their own personal matter.


I suppose that finally it is "horses for courses" and the bow design and arrows selected should be in relation to the objective. That is why an understanding of terminal ballistics and the damage type desired is so important. It dictates exactly what the best weapon selection for any given scenario should be. This translates to the most appropriate weapon system choice for an individual preppers perceived risks - ***based on the receiving end and not the folklore of the launcher itself.***

My take on it would be - lighter arrows for hunting and wounding with heavier arrows reserved for quick biped incapacitation. It would also depend on the level of body protection likely to be encountered. Much the same as historically I guess.

Signing off, TL.