Heavy bolt build on affordable crossbow

[giles]

I finally did it. Wanted to see how practical I could build a bow and bolt combination. Slowly gathering parts and pieces over the last couple of weeks. I had enough to bring it with me this weekend to assemble and dial it in. @OhioWhiteTails and I got to joking with @TinyTucky about getting it put together and he did. Then it turned into him sighting it in. He did that too while I just drank beer. Thanks fellas

Build sheet
Killer Instinct 415
Gander 325 grain bolts
DRT alpha 125 grain (need to grab a set still, sighted with 125 grain field point)
Nocturnal

This thing is flat out getting with it. Smooth and quiet. Only downfall is that the scope is just a basic scope and it does NOT go with this setup at all. You will either need to buy a scope that you can adjust the speed or figure out what is what at what range. Do NOT follow the manufactures marks in the scope!

Those guys might remember the weight difference. But it was close to 100 grains we added to total weight. 385 is what came with it and we finished around 489 grains? Maybe? Nate made comments of the crazy penetration multiple times also. Ole Stashbag was just smiling as usual. Lol

All put together this was built for right @$400. And it was a lot of fun already.

 

[giles]

Also like to thank @bowhunter1023 for coming up with the bolt and broadhead combination. I've been picking his brain since getting on the Fairy Dust and he built the combo for me.

This is a legit DIY project folks. Jesse or Joe might want to add DIY to the thread title. This was simple and can be done by any of us.

 

[Big_Holla]

There ya go! That should zip straight through a giant buck! Where’s the pic of the bolt combination?

 

[giles]

There ya go! That should zip straight through a giant buck! Where’s the pic of the bolt combination?

Not a lot to it. I'll get another pic once I actually get the head on it. Just haven't found them locally.

 

[giles]

CROSSBOW ALPHA 100/125 GRAIN - 3 PACK

Sold as 3 pack. The ALPHA Crossbow flies great out of today’s fastest crossbows. Its all steel construction and small profile offer fantastic downrange accuracy with excellent durability. ALPHA is the latest broadhead from DirtNap Gear. It's all steel design in a compact package makes the NEW...

dirtnapgear.com

 

[Big_Holla]

That’s what Jenna is running into, most of the heads she wanted to look at they don’t have in stock.

 

[giles]

That’s what Jenna is running into, most of the heads she wanted to look at they don’t have in stock.

I'm in NW Ohio right now and BP or Fin don't even carry the DirtNap brand. Might have to order them. I found them on Amazon.

 

[xbowguy]

Been reading the Killer Instinct and Center Point Scopes are less than average now. (Not played with one myself).
My go to replacement scope is a Hawke SB 30. Not cheap but is also a light collecting scope. Will add 15 + minutes to your hunt early and late.
Shooting 415 fps you would not necessarily need a heavier arrow. I shoot suggested weights and have blown completely through both shoulders. You should be 135+ kinetic energy stock. Mine is right at 140 w/22" arrow.

 

[giles]

Been reading the Killer Instinct and Center Point Scopes are less than average now. (Not played with one myself).
My go to replacement scope is a Hawke SB 30. Not cheap but is also a light collecting scope. Will add 15 + minutes to your hunt early and late.

I rarely shoot over 20 yards, so this will be fine for me.

My buddy Brad bought one a week ago and was telling me about the same problem with the BDC issue. He ordered the Vortex.

 

[giles]

Been reading the Killer Instinct and Center Point Scopes are less than average now. (Not played with one myself).
My go to replacement scope is a Hawke SB 30. Not cheap but is also a light collecting scope. Will add 15 + minutes to your hunt early and late.
Shooting 415 fps you would not necessarily need a heavier arrow. I shoot suggested weights and have blown completely through both shoulders. You should be 135+ kinetic energy stock. Mine is right at 140 w/22" arrow.

I agree that it probably wasn't needed. And to go 100 grains heavier was probably/likely overkill. I just wanted to do it to do it. I've always followed manufacture specs and never been impressed with the deflection. I felt confident enough to make a change, so I'm changing. Needed? Nope, I've killed plenty of deer with manufacture recommended set up. Just wanted to add on here what I did on a budget for anyone else maybe wanting to do it. For the $300 for the combo it would kill just fine, I'm sure of it. The straw bail didn't even look like it slowed the factory bolt down. It still went 100 yards

 

[xbowguy]

Didn't look it up. Is the Vortex a light collector? Ebay has the Hawke for 219.

 

[giles]

Didn't look it up. Is the Vortex a light collector? Ebay has the Hawke for 219.

I didn't look it up either. Just went to his text and screen shot the link. I don't think I'll need it and if I do, I will revisit this. Mostly shared because you brought it up. To me, the extra $200 takes this out of the budget friendly category.

 

[xbowguy]

I definitely am not knocking your build whatsoever, you will blow through a deer from one end to the other!
If you fall in love with this combination and I think you will. This scope will spruce up that bow into the beyond category.

 

[giles]

I definitely am not knocking your build whatsoever, you will blow through a deer from one end to the other!
If you fall in love with this combination and I think you will. This scope will spruce up that bow into the beyond category.

I didn't take it that you were. Just stating my intentions and I believe I will be changing the scope. Just to make it perfect. Just not at this point. Lol

 

[brock ratcliff]

The deer that stop behind a tree thinking they b safe are gonna be surprised when you shoot em anyway.

 

[giles]

Alpha flies good. Didn't even open the other ones yet. Lol

 

[MoonLab]

Where did you get the dirt nap at?

 

[giles]

Where did you get the dirt nap at?

There's another thread about that. Amazon had them along with Bridgeport Equipment.

 

[bowhunter1023]

For @Big_Holla, but figured this was a better spot than the broadhead thread. I need to get my chronograph out to set the sight tape on my bow, so I'll see what these are doing. We have a Karnage Apocalypse, which is made by Bear and it's topped with a Vortex Strikefire II red dot. Pretty sweet little rig and these bolts hammer home! I got a steal on a dozen in a closeout sale. I know Gander sucks, but my kids are on a budget. Daddy shoots Eastons, they're shooting whatever is on sale!

 

[giles]

Weird, looks just like my set up