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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: MW on January 02, 2007, 01:02:00 PM

Title: Temp change and bows
Post by: MW on January 02, 2007, 01:02:00 PM
I have a question about how temp change affects bows performance.

I am shooting right now in about 15 to 35.  If my bow is tuned for this weather how much if any will change if I go shoot at 55 to 70?

Anyone know?
Title: Re: Temp change and bows
Post by: Pasty Face on January 02, 2007, 01:06:00 PM
I have always wondered the same thing.
Title: Re: Temp change and bows
Post by: Old York on January 02, 2007, 01:25:00 PM
Very good question! Seems to me that my winter shots were "sluggish". That's at -20 to +20 degrees F. Maybe it was from all the extra clothing which prevented me from reaching true draw length.

A possible way to test your question: put a one- pin sight on your bow, shoot at a precise known distance at cold temps, then do exactly the same thing in warm temps. If the shot is fairly long, say 40 yards, then maybe any differences will be noticeable.

I'll repeat myself - you have brought up a VERY good question! How many of us practice with winter clothing and temps, and know how this affects our groupings and accuracy??? Not me!
Title: Re: Temp change and bows
Post by: MW on January 02, 2007, 08:31:00 PM
Does no one know or want to make up something up?
Title: Re: Temp change and bows
Post by: infosponge on January 02, 2007, 09:43:00 PM
Well.. I'm over my head on this one , but here goes...

I believe the difference would be so small that it would be very difficult to tell any difference at all unless the distance was extreme = 200yrds or so. I believe that the biggest effect on any projectile in flight(environmentally speaking) would be humidity or lack thereof, not temperature.
 In highpower rifle competition, I believe the order of importance for impact compensation is mirage, humidity, barometric pressure, then temperature.

I'm sure someone on here knows for sure. Till they chime in...there's my best answer/guess.
Title: Re: Temp change and bows
Post by: MW on January 02, 2007, 10:14:00 PM
I was thinking more along the lines of the temp affecting the "spring" in the limbs and the flex in the arrows.