RE: Crossbow hunting...
I recently bought a tenpoint titan and love it. It was around 550 with an acudraw 50. It shoots wonderful out of the box.
Personally, I live in town and do not have space to practice with my compound regularly enough to allow me to hunt accurately. Once - I get a new house with a big backyard - I will start compound hunting.
Realistically, the range and accuracy do not surpass a compound bow. The only advantage is not having to draw back and being seen by game. The disadvantage is their weight and bulkiness which can cause some problems where I hunt.