What is the maximum distance my PSE Drive LT compound bow can shoot an arrow?

  • Thread starter Joe Collins
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In summary: It gives some specifics of some arrows, towards the... end of the article?The article provides a drag coefficient for a variety of objects, including arrows. It seems that for an arrow, the drag coefficient is around .022. This means that an arrow with a weight of 358 grains and a length of 26.5 inches will travel around 253 feet per second when shot from a bow at 45 degrees.
  • #1
Joe Collins
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I have a PSE Drive LT compound bow. I would like to know how far my arrow will fly in optimal conditions. Here are the specifications. If additional information is needed feel free to ask.

Average arrow weight(in grains)- 358.030714
Draw length(in inches)- 26.5
Draw weight(in pounds)- 50
Arrow velocity when leaving the bow(in feet per second)- 253.32
Bow/projectile angle when leaving the bow(in degrees)- 45

Let's assume that barometric pressure is between 20-40 inHg, humidity is between 30-75%, 0mph wind, flat ground with no obstructions, 100 feet above sea level, with the temperature being between 50-80F.

The reason I want to know is because I'm curious as to what the limits of my bow are. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

-Joe
 
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  • #2
You give the approximate barometric pressure and ask for the optimal conditions, so would you hope to calculate the situation with the resistance of the air?
 
  • #3
Joe Collins said:
I have a PSE Drive LT compound bow. I would like to know how far my arrow will fly in optimal conditions. Here are the specifications. If additional information is needed feel free to ask.

Average arrow weight(in grains)- 358.030714
Draw length(in inches)- 26.5
Draw weight(in pounds)- 50
Arrow velocity when leaving the bow(in feet per second)- 253.32
Bow/projectile angle when leaving the bow(in degrees)- 45

Let's assume that barometric pressure is between 20-40 inHg, humidity is between 30-75%, 0mph wind, flat ground with no obstructions, 100 feet above sea level, with the temperature being between 50-80F.

The reason I want to know is because I'm curious as to what the limits of my bow are. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

-Joe

Welcome to the PF, Joe.

You can't neglect air resistance, especially because of the fletchings on the arrow. Figuring out the drag coefficient will probably be pretty complicated. It may be easier to just go out to an open field and test it yourself.
 
  • #4
berkeman said:
It may be easier to just go out to an open field and test it yourself.
It's really a practical good way, but the result may vary a lot to get an accurate answer? Maybe try to simplify the model?
 
  • #5
tommyxu3 said:
It's really a practical good way, but the result may vary a lot to get an accurate answer? Maybe try to simplify the model?

The results shouldn't vary that much. The OP should vary the launch angle a bit off of 45 degrees to find the optimum distance launch angle. With wind resistance, I think the launch angle will need to be a bit higher than 45 degrees to get maximum flight distance.
 
  • #7
tommyxu3 said:
It's really a practical good way, but the result may vary a lot to get an accurate answer? Maybe try to simplify the model?
Any calculation will require to know the drag coefficient. Attempting to estimate this coefficient will very likely result in uncertainties that will be much larger than what you can get by direct experiment with your arrow.
I am not sure what even "a more accurate answer" will mean in this context. The range of your bow is not some constant, very "accurate" number. The best you can get is some estimate.
 
  • #8
I am looking for more of a range rather than a specific yardage; an estimate is what I'm after. I'm well aware that the arrow will not travel the same distance every time due to wind variations(which is why I omitted them), human error(differences in releasing the string, etc), and other factors. However, I do think the range of the arrow when fired at any specific angle will be relatively consistent. (i.e. If fired at 45.5degrees it will land between 500-520 yards consistently.) This is the type of answer I was looking for.

Unfortunately, I do not have a large piece of property in which I can fire my bow to test it's range. The guys over on the bow hunting forum suggested I do that, which is why I came here and asked.
 
  • #9
So you mean you cannot actually use your bow to maximum range?
Why does it have to be your own property?
Sorry, these don't answer you question, just being curious. :smile:

But if want to compare bows, knowing the initial speed (which you seem to know) should be enough.
For same type or arrow, higher initial speed will produce longer range.

This may be interesting though:
https://sites.google.com/site/techn...rag-coefficients-of-bullets-arrows-and-spears

It gives some specifics of some arrows, towards the bottom.
 
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  • #10
berkeman said:
The results shouldn't vary that much. The OP should vary the launch angle a bit off of 45 degrees to find the optimum distance launch angle. With wind resistance, I think the launch angle will need to be a bit higher than 45 degrees to get maximum flight distance.
The optimal angle is lower than 45 degrees. The arrow falls down steeper than it rises, making that even steeper does not help. The added range in the earlier flight increases distance more.

On the other hand, we usually overestimate angles relative to the ground, so aiming for 45 degrees or even more is probably not a bad idea.

Without an estimate for the drag coefficient of the arrow it is impossible to make reasonable estimates. Air resistance is certainly not negligible.
 
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  • #11
You want someone that will happily solve your nonlinear differential equation for minimal action. This must have been done one thousand times, and is elemental in M1A1 target solutions. Ask the mathematicians. The physicists scratch their heads. The math guys should love this simple respite from whatever it is they do.
 

1. How does the weight of an arrow affect its distance?

The weight of an arrow can greatly impact its distance. Heavier arrows tend to travel slower and have a shorter distance, while lighter arrows can travel faster and farther. This is because the weight of the arrow affects the amount of force needed to propel it forward.

2. Does the draw weight of a bow affect the distance an arrow can fly?

Yes, the draw weight of a bow can greatly impact the distance an arrow can fly. A higher draw weight means more force is applied to the arrow, resulting in a greater distance. However, a draw weight that is too high can also cause the arrow to lose accuracy and not reach its full potential distance.

3. How does the length of an arrow affect its flight distance?

The length of an arrow can impact its flight distance in two ways. A longer arrow can provide more stability and a smoother flight, resulting in a longer distance. On the other hand, a longer arrow may also be heavier, which can decrease its distance. It is important to find the right balance between length and weight for optimal distance.

4. Can the type of fletching on an arrow affect its distance?

Yes, the type of fletching on an arrow can have an impact on its distance. Fletching refers to the feathers or vanes on the back of an arrow that help stabilize its flight. Different fletching types may have varying effects on the arrow's performance, so it's important to choose the right type for your specific bow and shooting style.

5. How does the angle of release affect the distance an arrow can fly?

The angle of release, or the angle at which the bowstring is released, can greatly affect the distance an arrow can fly. A higher angle of release will result in a higher trajectory and a longer distance, while a lower angle of release will result in a lower trajectory and a shorter distance. It is important to experiment with different angles to find the optimal release for your desired distance.

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