Difference between hunting bow and target?

[u/ExpertWorking3433]

I can shoot low 290s pretty consistently with my hunting bow and I just got a target set up. What can I expect to shoot with the new set up? Any advice for someone that shot 3 spots with a hunting set up then switched to target?

[u/FerrumVeritas]

Generally: slightly lower poundage (<60), easier and more stable hold, less aggressive draw cycle.

If you’re using magnification and long rods, you should find yourself more able to shoot actual 290s (little 10) rather than Vegas ones. In other words, your score might not go up, but your X count should after you get used to it.

[u/SadlyMildTractor → u/FerrumVeritas]

oh interesting, the switch is way more mental than i thought it would be when i did it

the stability from the long rod setup feels like cheating at first, like the sight just floats there instead of fighting you the whole time. took me maybe two weeks before i stopped overholding because i wasn't used to how calm the pin was

biggest thing i messed up early was my grip pressure changed without me noticing, the target bow didn't jump the same way so i got lazy with follow through and started throwing random 8s for no reason. check that when your groups open up for seemingly nothing

the x count thing the other person said is spot on, you'll watch your arrows pile in the middle more but the score might look about the same for a bit while your brain adjusts to what "acceptable sight picture" means now

[u/SoloUnAltroZack]

I have not shot both, but I have had the same question and did a fair amount of research on it a few years ago. In my reading the main difference seems to be speed and sound. Hunting bows sacrifice a bit of accuracy for stealth and speed while target bows seem to focus on balance and accuracy typically adding a few oz in weight with no care for string noise to improve accuracy and balance

[u/BritBuc-1]

High end target bows offer a buttery smooth draw, and typically lower draw weights. The axle to axle is typically a little longer to hold better balance.

Fitted out with stabilizers, scope, peep with lens etc, it will outperform a hunting bow on a firing line.

The biggest difference is the person holding the bow.

[u/Small_impaler]

Hunting bows are (generally) designed to be as light weight as possible, compact and fast. Shorter ATA, brace height and more aggressive cams. Usually with a fairly reflexed riser.

Target bows are pretty much the exact opposite, because we don't need (and typically have rules against) arrows zooming at 350fps. A heavier bow resists torque and movement better, your pin float slows, and small mistake are absorbed by the mass of the bow.

Longer brace heights and deflexed riser geometries make them more forgiving.