Editing Crossbow (section)

=== Projectiles ===
[[File:Han Bronze Arrows & Lead Pellets (9884175776).jpg|thumb|Arrowheads and lead balls, [[Han dynasty]]]]

The arrow-like projectiles of a crossbow are called [[crossbow bolt|bolts or quarrels]]. These are usually much shorter than arrows but can be several times heavier. There is an optimum weight for bolts to achieve maximum kinetic energy, which varies depending on the strength and characteristics of the crossbow, but most could pass through common mail. Crossbow bolts can be fitted with a variety of heads, some with sickle-shaped heads to cut rope or rigging; but the most common today is a four-sided point called a [[Quarrel (projectile)|quarrel]]. A highly specialized type of bolt is employed to collect blubber biopsy samples used in biology research.

Even relatively small differences in arrow weight can have a considerable impact on its flight trajectory and drop.<ref name="CrossbowArrowDrop">{{cite web|url=http://www.bestcrossbowsource.com/crossbow-arrow-drop-charted-test-results/|title=Crossbow Arrow Drop – Charted Test Results|access-date=12 July 2019|website=BestCrossbowSource.com|archive-date=31 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190731005020/http://www.bestcrossbowsource.com/crossbow-arrow-drop-charted-test-results/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[Bullet-shooting crossbow]]s are modified crossbows that use bullets or stones as projectiles.