Why do characters use crossbow bolts tipped with metal points?

[ccbaker18]

it occurs to me the crossbow would be more effective against vamps if they sharpened the wood of the bolts into a point instead of using metal broadheads,then it would always kill a vamp as its like a thin staking implement fired as a projectile

 

[Evil Seal]

I have often wondered the same thing. I guess arrows to the heart still work if they're made of wood? Apparently the tip isn't what kills the vampires? I honestly don't know if it was an oversight by the props department/director/editor or if it has some kind of explanation

 

[WillowFromBuffy]

I guess the metal tip helps the bolt penetrate the rib cage, while the wooden shaft destroys the heart.

 

[white avenger]

it occurs to me the crossbow would be more effective against vamps if they sharpened the wood of the bolts into a point instead of using metal broadheads,

The technical reason that crossbow bolts have metal heads is to protect the shaft from shattering on impact, plus the heavier tip, combined with the fletching, or feathers, at the rear enhances balance and accuracy, as well as providing enhanced penetration.

Also, maybe Buffy's bolts have silver heads, making them effective against werewolves as well as vampires.

 

[DeepBlueJoy]

The sharper the point, the more likely it will penetrate clothing, skin, bone, muscle. All that is needed for dusting a vampire is wood to enter the heart. A pencil would work too.... but unless you have strong magics behind the pencil, it probably won't make it thru the rib cage. If it hits bone, it will break.

The sharpest wood point will dull at least somewhat when it impacts bone. While bone also will dull metal to a degree, the harder the metal the less effect it will have. Most modern arrow heads are actually little bits of engineering -- they aren't just pointy and razor sharp, they actually well balanced for flight and they are designed to cut on impact in way wood simply cannot. If you aren't going to get a second chance, you want to be sure your arrow goes in.

Another thing to consider? Buffy wasn't just hunting vampires. While wood kills vampires, some demons are likely scaly or have harder hides that require more penetrative force than wood could give. Some probably are killed by iron or other metals.

 

[AlphaFoxtrot]

I believe fanon at the time was that the bolts were dipped in holy water. But seriously, the x-bow worked like once or twice. The vampire/house cat was actually shocked the bolt hit the target, and died from shock.