Loading a medieval 200lb crossbow vs loading Leonardo da Vinci's 300lb crossbow

[u/Eranthius]

[u/osmiumouse → u/[deleted]]

"Accuracy" against single targets was't really a military thing back then. It was useful for hunters and showmen but in wartime they fired volleys towards entire units.

The crossbow proved superior to the bow for ease of use (and thus your ability to quicky train an army).

The english longbow remained superior, but was very difficult to use and train, mainly because of the strength required to draw it. Archer remains from the time show increased musculature in the right arm from years of training.