Fact checked by Steven Lines, lifelong Hunter, and Outdoorsman
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People spend a lot of time learning how their crossbows work and how to get the most out of them. In addition to how it functions, what the draw feels like, and more, they take the time to learn how it performs under different circumstances, such as when it is hot or cold outside.
You will find that your crossbow can perform differently at different temperatures, and extreme cold or extreme heat will impact how it shoots. The way to test your crossbow is to try it out on a target using the same distance and the same arrows at different temperatures. This will help you find out how your crossbow reacts to temperature changes.
This article examines how temperature affects the accuracy of a crossbow, as well as other factors that might have an impact on your crossbow. Continue reading to learn all about how temperature can affect a crossbow.
In this post, we'll cover:
Does Cold Weather Affect a Crossbow?
Many crossbows today are made well and are not affected by cold temperatures. People don’t store them indoors and then shock them by taking them out into the cold and cocking them right away. If you take the bow outdoors and let it acclimate to the weather, it should fire the same way whether it is hot, cold, or average.
If you have a high-quality crossbow, it will give you a solid performance in different conditions, including hot and cold weather. The temperature can impact performance, so you can take it out and try it under different conditions. You can set up a target and try it out in different temperatures to see if you can shoot consistently. This will help you determine what impact the cold weather has on your crossbow.
Why Is My Crossbow Inaccurate?
There are several factors that can make your crossbow inaccurate. First of all, you need to make sure that you have a crossbow that fits you well. You want to make sure that it isn’t too heavy, long, or wide because this will interfere with your accuracy.
In addition, you need to use the correct arrows. If you use arrows that the manufacturer does not recommend, you risk losing accuracy. You also need to make sure that all of the components stay tightened and where they belong. If anything comes loose, such as your scope, you might find that your crossbow is inaccurate.
You need to make sure that your crossbow is tuned correctly and has a balanced brace height and a balanced tiller. This balance is necessary for your crossbow to shoot accurately. You need to spend time taking good care of your crossbow to always be in top shape.
You can improve your accuracy by shooting from a bench, and you need to line the crossbow up correctly. You should also make sure that you have the proper scope and shoot within the recommended range. Most crossbow manufacturers say that 40 yards is the maximum recommended range, so you might find that you lose accuracy when you go beyond that. These are all factors that can interfere with the accuracy of your crossbow.
Does Temperature Affect a Compound Bow?
The outdoor temperature can affect a compound bow. Leaving your bow in the car on a hot day can damage many parts of your bow. The strings can stretch out, and the joints where the limbs meet the cams and the riser meets the limbs can be impacted by the heat inside of the car. The bow is meant to be tightly put together, and an overstretched string can be a problem. If the heat warps your bow, it can be damaged.
Cold temperatures have a different effect on a compound bow. It tightens everything up. The problem is less than the bow will get damaged and more that you might lose accuracy. One of the problems with cold weather is that people wear a lot of bulky clothing, which can get in the way. Some people blame the bow, but the truth is that it is usually the person shooting it.
If the bow is made of a material that is designed to stay strong and light, then it is less likely to be inaccurate. For example, aluminum, magnesium alloy, and carbon fiber are made to be stiff and rigid, and these materials can handle some abuse. The other factor to consider is vibrations, and when the limbs are tighter in cold weather, there will be more vibrations, and it will be noisier. The compound bow is affected by temperatures that are hot or cold, so you need to take this into consideration when you are using it.
Why Is My Crossbow Shooting All Over the Place?
Crossbows are put together using a lot of screws and bolts. If any of them loosens up, it can interfere with your accuracy. It is important to perform routine maintenance on your crossbow to make sure that all of the screws and bolts are tight. One of the important parts to check is the retention spring. You need to make sure to check this part of the crossbow regularly.
Another reason that crossbows can shoot all over the place is human error. One of the biggest problems is the cocking process. You need to lock the center serving in the trigger mechanism the same way every time. If it is off at all, it can ruin your shot. One thing you can do is make a mark on each side to remember where it goes.
You might also find that you are shooting your arrows all over the place when you don’t hold the bow limbs level. If one side is lower than the other, you will find that your arrow shoots high or low, and it ruins your consistency. Using shooting sticks, rails, or a bipod can help you keep it level and improve accuracy.
Finally, you need to make sure that your strings and cables are replaced before they go bad because this will impact your accuracy. Make sure that you practice until you can handle your crossbow with confidence.
Consider Using a Cocking Device
To avoid human error when cocking your crossbow, you can use a cocking device to be much more consistent. They will also help you avoid getting tired from cocking your crossbow, as this can be a tiresome task if you shoot multiple times.
There are three primary cocking devices: the simple rope cocker, the stock-integrated rope cocker, and the stock integrated crank cocker. Which one you will use will depend on your preferences and budget, but all will help get a more consistent and accurate shot with your crossbow!
Let’s look at the top crossbow cocking devices for each type of cocker and why you should consider picking one up so that you can be the most accurate and not tire yourself out.
Tenpoint Retractable Cord Cocking Device
This cocking device can retract the rope back into its case when not in use, allowing this particular device to be as small and compact as possible. This also allows you to avoid getting the rope tangled up within itself or in your other gear. Not only is it quick and efficient, but this crossbow cocker is a one size fits all and can accommodate just about any type of crossbow out there!
This rope cocking device utilizes new technology to give a fresh take on a simple and old design. If you want to try one for yourself, you can get one here:
Parker Deluxe Roller Rope Cocker
For stock-integrated rope cocking devices, there are few as good as the Parker rope cocking device. This device has a lot going for it and will reduce the poundage you have to pull back by 50%. It is effortless to store, carry, or transport while hunting and is quick and easy to use. The large T-handles are very comfortable, so you will not hurt your hands either.
The rollers help to keep your crossbow in good shape and smooth. Coming with an excellent 5-year warranty from the manufacturer, this integrated cocking device is one to look into.
KI Series Crank Cocker
Last but not least, we have an excellent crank cocking device that can attach directly to your crossbow. The KI Series crank cocker is entirely fabricated by a machine, meaning there are few moving parts, and it is exceptionally durable. It is also very fast and will allow a shooter to reload and shoot faster than most other cocking devices.
This particular cocking device is a great option for maximum speed and ease of use, and it won’t break the bank either. It will be integrated into your crossbow, so you will never have to worry about ever losing it!
Will Extreme Temperatures Damage My Crossbow?
The crossbows made today are not affected by extreme temperatures in the same way they might have been in the past. Most crossbows can remain consistent in temperatures from -20 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit without any changes.
While temperatures won’t damage your crossbow, you need to be careful if it is raining or snowing. If there is any chance it will rain while you are out, make sure that you wax your strings. Then, you need to dry them thoroughly before you put the crossbow away.
How to Make Sure That Your Crossbow Shoots Accurately
The best way to make sure that your crossbow shoots accurately is to practice. You need to take care of your bow and make sure that you keep the strings waxed. You will want to practice to improve your accuracy. It is vital to make sure that your crossbow fits you well, and you have to hold it level. You can use a bipod or rails to help with this process.
If you plan to shoot your crossbow when it is freezing outside, you can practice wearing bulky clothing before you go out. This is one of the biggest reasons why people have trouble. You can also make sure that you can hold the crossbow level.
You also need to make sure that you maintain your crossbow and get the proper scope. Keep all of the bolts and screws tight so that they will shoot accurately. If you get a crossbow that is well made, you shouldn’t have any trouble shooting it accurately when it is hot or cold outside.
Final Words
People often want to know whether or not temperature affects the accuracy of a crossbow. While it can affect a compound bow, most crossbows today can handle a wide range of temperatures without any issues. You will want to make sure that you get the bow acclimated before shooting it in cold weather; this helps ensure that the bow doesn’t get shocked by a sudden change in temperature.
Several factors impact the accuracy of a crossbow, and they usually include a problem with the shooter. If you don’t nock your arrow correctly or choose a crossbow that isn’t a good fit for you, you will lose accuracy.
Make sure that you follow the crossbow manufacturer’s recommendations for maintenance, and you should buy the recommended arrows. You need to take care of your bowstring and replace it at least every other year. You need to keep your string waxed to protect it from moisture and make sure that you dry it entirely if you are out in bad weather. Using a crossbow can be a lot of fun, as long as you take the time to get one that fits you just right.
Steven Lines is a hunter and outdoorsman from Safford, Arizona, USA. Since he was a child, he has been hunting and fishing and has over 20 years of outdoor experience. Steven works as a hunting guide in Arizona during his spare time and runs a Youtube channel dedicated to sharing his outdoor adventures with others.