Well, it depends on the types of bows and ranged weaponry we're talking about. Not to mention sizes.
One of the common bows, the longbow (Primarily used in the medieval era) is reputed for the long distance of the arrow, the accuracy (Mind you, not at the same time as distance), and how fast the shots could be pulled off. Most average bowmen in that era could lease 10-12 shots a minute, which is fairly substancial.
The crossbow, on the other hand, was prized for its accuracy, the fact that virtually no training was required to use it, and the fact that it could be used by
anyone. The main drawback was the slow re-fire rate. A battle between a regiment using crossbows and those using longbows would usually err in the side of the longbows, due to them being able to loose many more arrows.
There's not that much recorded on shortbows that I know about, it'd be better to ask someone else.
For the power of a projectile, the crossbow is in the lead, closely followed by the longbows. Which are then followed by shortbows, and then slings.
However, Xordan, there's one thing I don't really understand.. As far as most of us archers are concerned, there are only two main categories of bows (For us SCA fanatics
): long and short. You can use 'bows' to describe the whole thing, but I don't know anyone who has a bow that is designated as a 'bow', no prefix. Because as soon as the medieval era came around, everything shorter than a longbow, was a shortbow, far as the English were concerned (And even then, the edges were really fuzzy).
According to a
wikipedia site, longbows around the medieval era had a draw force of 68 to 90 kgf (680 to 900 N, 150 to 200 lbf). Now, know that the tips they use for combat back then is very different from nowadays.
Regardless, if you want accurate designations on most ranged medieval weapon, find a local
SCA group (or look-a-likes), and ask them. They're more into medieval things that I am at times. Or, ask your local museum.
