ORIGINAL: Pydpiper

The effective range of a crossbow is well over 100 yards, but only for target shooting.. Most guys claim to stay within about 30 yards for hunting deer, I wouldn't hesitate to take a 50 yard shot at a coyote.
Excalibur makes a few great bows, for $1000 you would have all the options and a case of beer or two.
Shoot lots of them, find one you like and that fits you, just like any other shouldered firearm. You will still end up with an Excalibur though.
Wheels are for compound bows, they are not getting much glory in the crossbow world.
Drawing a 200 pound bow is just that, 200 pounds.. There are alternatives between the strong arm technique and that cranker job, you'll see.
Fast reloads? Your kidding right? Mine only came with a 5 shot magazine.
Arrows are very reusable, and repairable once they do become wore or damaged.

A great deal of crossbow guys lean towards the Excalibur line, simple, reliable extremely accurate and terrific support. It (like all crossbows) is far from a long range weapon and does require practice to operate and shoot safely. Your a gun guy, you know that anything propelling any type of projectile requires practice.
I like your screen name by the way.