I'm probably not 100% correct, and I'm sure there's exceptions
Actually, you're mostly incorrect, at least in relation to fanfic. Most fic stories have the characters shot by crossbow bolts, not arrows. Crossbow bolts usually have small cylindrical heads that will not cause any more damage coming out than going in. Here's (http://therionarms.com/reenact/czh_bl020.html) an example of the kinds of heads used on modern day crossbow bolts. If, for whatever reason, they happened to be using the original medieval type of crossbow bolt heads, they weren't much different (http://www.jthep-antiquities.co.uk/Medieval/GB2-16%20Crossbow%20bolt/GB2-16%20Crossbow%20head.html).
I've never paid much attention on BTVS when they show them with crossbows, but I'm assuming they're using standard heads, not broadheads. However, if they are using broadheads on-screen, then you're correct. Hmmm. I'll have to dig out screencaps from "Graduation Day I" and see if I can tell.
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Actually, you're mostly incorrect, at least in relation to fanfic. Most fic stories have the characters shot by crossbow bolts, not arrows. Crossbow bolts usually have small cylindrical heads that will not cause any more damage coming out than going in. Here's (http://therionarms.com/reenact/czh_bl020.html) an example of the kinds of heads used on modern day crossbow bolts. If, for whatever reason, they happened to be using the original medieval type of crossbow bolt heads, they weren't much different (http://www.jthep-antiquities.co.uk/Medieval/GB2-16%20Crossbow%20bolt/GB2-16%20Crossbow%20head.html).
I've never paid much attention on BTVS when they show them with crossbows, but I'm assuming they're using standard heads, not broadheads. However, if they are using broadheads on-screen, then you're correct. Hmmm. I'll have to dig out screencaps from "Graduation Day I" and see if I can tell.