Barnett XR250C crossbow on the way!

[FergusonTO35]

Our crossbow deer season now runs from September 21 to January 20. That's 1/3 of the year, a pretty long time. I've been wanting to get into crossbows for awhile now, and I really wanted a recurve with a rifle type stock. I found the Barnett XR250C for about $160.00 delivered and so I ordered one. Looks like a number of brands sell this particular crossbow and it has good reviews. Most of them mention that the included bolts are not so good, no surprise there. They also mention that the included red dot sight holds zero surprisingly well.

So, what sort of bolts should I get for it? A rope cocker and basic quiver are also included. Anything else that a crossbow rookie should get for it? I'll probably put a decent crossbow scope or sights on it at some point, if the factory red dot holds zero it should do for now.

https://www.barnettcrossbows.com/wildgame-xr250c

 

[FergusonTO35]

Crossbow showed up today and I got it put together. It came with decent open sights in addition to the red dot so that is what I'm using. Shot it at an archery target around 15 yards in the backyard. Most shots were pretty well centered, however I got an occasional flyer high and to the right. I'm thinking maybe I need to pay more attention to my cocking technique, maybe the string is not getting quite centered on the "sear" or whatever it's called.

 

[FergusonTO35]

This morning I went out and got some decent bolts for it, the Victory Decimator 20". I noticed an immediate improvement over the cheap 18" aluminums it came with. I also paid more attention to my cocking technique, keeping the hooks of the rope cocker snug against the forend. The crossbow is now shooting quite well, at least at 15 yards.

 

[FergusonTO35]

Still shooting the crossbow, and impressed with how well it groups. I've come close to splitting a few bolts! The issue sights run out of elevation past 25 yards. I'm not planning to shoot game beyond this distance, but I would like to see how far out it will still group. I ordered a Truglo 4x32 crossbow scope for it for cheap on Fleabay, so we shall see how well that works.

 

[FergusonTO35]

She is dead on at 20 yards, groups like this are no problemo.



Doesn't do so well at 25. This is 6 bolts fired, you see some flyers happening. Also have to hold over about 5 inches. Right now, I'm comfortable keeping my shots close. I figure I'll just get a stronger crossbow when I'm ready to extend the range.

 

[FergusonTO35]

I chronographed my bolts today. Victory Decimator 20" 325 grain with 125 grain target points:

Low 206.6
High 208.5
Average 207.3
Ex. Spread 1.94
St. Deviation 00.00
Energy 42.93
Shot string 207.6 206.6 206.6 206.8 208.5 207.5

I think that is the lowest extreme spread I've ever measured on this chronograph! Not surprised that it didnt even come close to the advertised 250 fps, I doubt it would even get there with the stumpy factory 18" aluminum bolts. I 'spose archery makers are just as optimistic about published FPS as ammo makers are!