Improving long distance accuracy

[Joystyx]

Good evening everyone,

I'm doing target practice to improve my shooting. I was wondering if there are some specific setups to do on the crossbow to improve the accuracy. Scope (VAriZone) is perfectly centered and I use Firebolts with 125 grain training points (bullet shaped, the one made by Allen ).

I use a Dyna Flight string, serving is about an inch from the top, on an Exomax.

I shoot in the standing or sitting stance, using a tripod.

Apart from training, training, training, what else can I do to improve my long distance accuracy ?

Thanks !

[wheelie]

Looks like you have it pretty much covered. I have a reinhart ball that I throw out and guess the yardage and shoot. No range finder. Judging yardage is a very important factor if you hunt. Move the level of the target up and down helps. Makes the arrow go on a different angle to the target. Just a couple ideas for ya.

[Vormax]

Next would probably be to tune your arrows.

http://www.cacciaebalestra.altervista.o ... Main0.html

[Pydpiper]

If the scope is perfectly leveled then arrows are indeed next. Not much else you can do to the bow it's self, with the exception of maintaining tight screws.

[Boo]

What range is long distance to you?

[sumner4991]

Long distance shooting can drive you crazy. Consistancy is the key. Consistancy in the arrows, the stance, the trigger pull, . . .you name it and if it happens before the launch, then you must be consistant. Even if it's wrong, if you are consistantly wrong, then you will be accurate.

Take Chi Chi Rodriguez for example . . .one of the most arkward swings in the history of golf and he was awesome because he could duplicate it over and over again. He knew where the ball was going. Ugly swing, but, pretty results.

Everything needs to be consistant. Where you place your cheek, what part of your trigger finger you use, the direction of your pull, weight of the arrows, the arrow conponents . . .it's a long list. Pay particular attention to your routine.

Practice enough to where you do not have to think about it. Too much thinking can throw you off too.

Get a trigger job from Boo.

[bob1961]

use the link above to try different weights for your arrow componets....try to get a fairly high FOC of at least 19%, it will slow down your arrow as you get higher arrow weight....i went with a higher arrow weight out of my 200# exocet over the arrow weight in my package and improved accuracy big time....all said and done my arrows are 2117's at 550gr with 21.6% FOC and are spot on out to 50 yards with fixed broadheads in 125gr slick trick mags fletched straight ....sure i'm not sending arrows down range like rockets, but they "ARE" going where i aim and blowing through deer ....4 shots at 4 deer at 10, 20, 30 and 50 yards have all been blow through's with the same arrow till it got bent this past jan ....that 16.00 dollar arrow served me well .........bob

....

[Limbs and Sticks]

The more you shoot the better you get,[ practice makes perfect ] i've got 14.7% foc, 352grs total weight with the magnus stinger that hits and goes thru it's mark at 50yds in a hurry. Depending on your BH I've found there are those that don't need the high foc, Magnus stingers are one of these, I'm with my set-up. For got to mention life time warranty on Magnus bh, break-it send it back for a new one

Wes

[Joystyx]

What range is long distance to you?

What I call long distance is, for the moment, above 40 yds. My goal is to be really constant at 60 yards before the end of the summer.

[Boo]

You might want to consider a higher magnification scope and an HHA. At 60 yards your Varizone will not give you enough precision. For what you are doing you might want to consider something like a Tasco target scope. It isn't particularly tough but it isn't crazy money either. Check out their 2.5 X10 target scope. The HHA is just amazingly precise.

[cevans]

If you really want to practice long distance, find some hill,,and shoot uphill at differernt distances, then shoot down hill and different distances, then go back to level ground. Tell us how your arrow impact is raised and lowered without moving your sights. Aim dead on.

[Joystyx]

Thanks everyone for your advices. Will definitely have a look on those HHA thingie - it seems like a great tool but why such a loud color

Going to the 3D range tomorrow to test some bolt setups, but it seems that max range is... 20 yards

[sumner4991]

20 yard max right now? Is your riser clear of any plastic? Do your vanes clear the riser without hitting anything?

You do not want your vanes hitting the black plastic . . .looks like this sticking out in your riser




If you have any, then take a box cutter or a knife and trim it off to look more like this . . .



You should be hitting hitting the same spot at 20 yards, all day long. Something seems wrong.

[Horizontal Hunter]

Consistency is the key to long range shooting. First, I would recommend installing a level on the crossbow to ensure that the limbs are level when you are shooting longer distances. Second, I would suggest that you start building your own arrows if you do not do so already. When I am done with my arrows I can get +/- .5 grain if I really take the time to match arrow components.

Bob

[Joystyx]

20 yard max right now?

You should be hitting hitting the same spot at 20 yards, all day long. Something seems wrong.

I have no problem at 20 yds, the picture of my profile is my best 35 yds volley. I can't wait to change it with a perfect one !