Quick Reference
Essential charts, formulas, and conversion tables for field use
Printable Reference Cards
Print these reference cards for quick access in the field.
Spine Selection Charts
Compound Bow Spine Chart (28" Arrow)
| Draw Weight (lbs) | 100 gr Points | 125 gr Points | 150 gr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40-45 | 500-600 | 400-500 | 340-400 |
| 45-50 | 400-500 | 340-400 | 300-340 |
| 50-55 | 340-400 | 300-340 | 280-300 |
| 55-60 | 300-340 | 280-300 | 260-280 |
| 60-65 | 280-300 | 260-280 | 240-260 |
| 65-70 | 260-280 | 240-260 | 220-240 |
| 70-75 | 240-260 | 220-240 | 200-220 |
| 75-80 | 220-240 | 200-220 | 180-200 |
Recurve Bow Spine Chart (28" Arrow)
| Draw Weight (lbs) | 100 gr Points | 125 gr Points | 150 gr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-30 | 700-800 | 600-700 | 500-600 |
| 30-35 | 600-700 | 500-600 | 400-500 |
| 35-40 | 500-600 | 400-500 | 340-400 |
| 40-45 | 400-500 | 340-400 | 300-340 |
| 45-50 | 340-400 | 300-340 | 280-300 |
| 50-55 | 300-340 | 280-300 | 260-280 |
| 55-60 | 280-300 | 260-280 | 240-260 |
Spine Chart Notes
- • Charts based on 28" arrow length measured from nock groove to insert
- • Add 5 spine for each inch shorter, subtract 5 for each inch longer
- • Values are starting points - fine-tune with paper testing
- • Consider bow's efficiency and arrow rest type for final selection
Conversion Tables
Length Conversions
Inches to Millimeters
Quick Formula
Inches × 25.4 = Millimeters
Millimeters ÷ 25.4 = Inches
Weight Conversions
Grains to Grams
Quick Formula
Grains × 0.0648 = Grams
Grams × 15.43 = Grains
Tuning Checklists
Paper Tuning Checklist
Setup
Shooting
Equipment Check
Arrows
Bow Setup
Professional Archery Formulas
Performance Calculations
Kinetic Energy (KE)
KE = (Arrow Weight × Velocity²) ÷ 450,240Result in foot-pounds. Minimum 25 ft-lbs for deer, 65+ ft-lbs for elk.
Front of Center (FOC)
FOC = ((Balance Point - Shaft Center) ÷ Shaft Length) × 100Target: 7-15%, Hunting: 10-20%, Extreme FOC: 25%+
Momentum
Momentum = (Arrow Weight × Velocity) ÷ 225,218Result in slug-ft/sec. Higher momentum = better penetration.
Trajectory References
Pin Gap Estimation
20-30 yards: ~0.5" pin gap
30-40 yards: ~0.7" pin gap
40-50 yards: ~0.9" pin gap
50-60 yards: ~1.2" pin gap
Varies by bow speed and arrow weight
Drop Compensation
250 fps: ~12" drop at 40 yards
280 fps: ~9" drop at 40 yards
310 fps: ~7" drop at 40 yards
From 20-yard zero point
Professional Field References
Arrow Speed Classifications (IBO)
| Speed Category | FPS Range | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | 330+ fps | 3D, Target |
| Performance | 300-330 fps | Hunting, 3D |
| Hunting | 280-300 fps | Big Game |
| Traditional | 150-220 fps | Recurve, Longbow |
Professional Standards
Tournament Specifications
Indoor Target: 40cm face at 18m
Outdoor Target: 122cm face at 70m
Field Archery: Various faces, 5-80m
3D Archery: Lifelike targets, unknown distance
Hunting Minimums
Small Game: 15+ ft-lbs KE
Whitetail Deer: 25+ ft-lbs KE
Elk/Moose: 65+ ft-lbs KE
Cape Buffalo: 80+ ft-lbs KE
Arrow Weight Guidelines
Target: 5-6 grains per pound
Hunting: 6-8 grains per pound
Traditional: 8-10+ grains per pound
Safety Guidelines
Range Safety Rules
Critical Safety Rules
- Never shoot if anyone is downrange
- Always know what's beyond your target
- Wait for "all clear" before shooting
- Never dry fire a bow
- Inspect equipment before each use
Protective Equipment
- • Arm guard (mandatory)
- • Finger tab or glove
- • Chest guard (if needed)
- • Safety glasses (recommended)
Equipment Safety
Pre-Shooting Inspection
- • Check arrows for cracks or bends
- • Inspect string and serving
- • Verify all bolts are tight
- • Check cam timing (compound)
- • Test rest function
Never Use If:
- • Arrows are damaged or bent
- • String shows fraying
- • Bow shows cracks or damage
- • Rest is loose or misaligned
- • You feel unwell or distracted
Emergency Procedures
Emergency Contacts
Emergency: 911
Range Officer: _________
First Aid Kit: Location _________
Injury Protocol
1. Stop all shooting immediately
2. Assess injury severity
3. Call for help if needed
4. Apply first aid if trained
Equipment Failure
1. Stop shooting immediately
2. Secure the area
3. Inspect for damage
4. Do not continue until safe