Different residual strength profiles were measured by X-ray diffraction in areas close to the surface of AISI-SAE 5160H steel used in making crossbow springs. Different shotblasting conditions were used and an experimental design was developed for finding process conditions offering suitable Almen intensity and residual strength profile when compression was applied. The combination of variables was chosen which tended to present the most suitable results within the parameters used in making springs in the same conditions, cycle them and determine their behavior in fatigue tests.