The compact, adjustable Hellhound 370 is sturdy, accurate and dependable. That's a lot of crossbow for under $400.
For example, the Empire Hellhound 370, a mid-weight (8.5 pounds), short-limbed (17.5 inches axle-to-axle when cocked) crossbow. The Hellhound is well balanced for blind or treestand hunting. The Hellhound’s overall length is adjustable from 33 to 36 inches, which makes it especially useful for still-hunting and stalking.
The Hellhound’s draw weight of 185 pounds is stout but manageable for most users. With a power stroke of 13.5 inches the Hellhound generates arrow speeds of 370 fps. In fact, in my testing, new arrows fired from a well-lubed rail were chronographed at over 375 fps — more than fast enough for shooting deer out to 50 yards.
Features
Features that will appeal to crossbow shooters include the Hellhound’s adjustable stock, which provides 3-inches of additional length using a standard push-button bar. Note: The stock does not have a lock stop, however, so do not draw the stock beyond the final adjustment point or it will fall off! Also, hunters will like the Hellhound’s adjustable pass-through fore grip, which is roomy enough for gloves and flanged to ensure that the shooter’s fingers stay well below the top of the rail. The trigger guard, too, is extra-large and ideal for shooting during cold or wet weather when hunters are most likely to be wearing thick or insulated gloves.
Buyers are encouraged to read the Hellhound’s six-page owner’s manual immediately upon opening the box to ensure that all parts, screws, hardware and wrenches are included and to learn the subtle differences between the Hellhound and other Empire crossbows.
Assembly
Assembly of the Hellhound was quick and easy using one screw to attach the limbs to the stock and three set screws to lock the stirrup and limbs in place. Two more screws attach the rock-solid QD quiver to the Picatinny rail. For the record, instructions for use with two other SA crossbow models were included in the package but I decided to ignore them in favor of the paperwork that specifically mentioned the Hellhound model.
Assembly instructions are clear, concise and well-illustrated. All necessary hex wrenches are provided. Total elapsed time for assembly was a little over one minute. The 4x32 scope comes separately and must be mounted by the consumer but the process takes only a few seconds. The only tool the user must supply is a common, large, flat-head screwdriver to tighten the scope mount screws.
Scope
Many crossbows are sold with “rifle-type” scopes that are not designed for crossbows. These often have unnecessary reticles, fine crosshairs and instructions that have little or nothing to do with crossbow shooting or hunting. Oddly enough, the Hellhound’s compact, crossbow-reticle scope came with rifle-type instructions, which are best ignored for crossbow applications.
The provided 4x32 scope’s bold, black primary crosshairs are easy to find and there are only four secondary aiming points, giving hunters a choice of reticles at 10 to 50 yards or, for more open country, 20 to 60 yards. The reticles are clean, sharp and perfectly calibrated in 10-yard increments. I was able to drop arrows into the center of targets set at 20, 30 and 40 yards with regularity.
Fully Adjustable Fore Grip and Stock
In the current world of crossbow manufacture, it’s the rare unit that includes an adjustable butt stock and fore grip. Some crossbows are equipped with one or the other but few, like the SA Empire Hellhound 370, offer both options.
The benefits to the shooter are instantly obvious. Some users prefer a longer fore grip set-up, while others need more eye relief behind the scope. With the Hellhound both are a possibility and can be adjusted easily at the range or in the field.
The Hellhound’s butt stock can be extended an additional three inches from the base setting using a simple push bar that locks back into place once the proper setting is achieved. One note of caution: There is no “maximum” lock so the stock will continue to move past the final setting until it falls completely off the base. This could create a disconcerting issue if the stock falls off in the dark or while in a tree stand. The solution is simple enough: Set the stock as needed while on the ground, at the range, at home or in a blind and leave it set until conditions allow a change to be made.
The fore grip requires a Hex wrench (provided) to make the necessary forward or backward adjustments on the full-length Picatinny rail. There may be occasional need to reset the stock and fore grip such as when changing from a ground blind to a tree stand, or when multiple shooters are practicing from a bench at the range. However, overall I found the adjustable components to be most useful and practical right out of the box when setting up for initial target shooting. Once I had my Hellhound set up to my specs at the range I was good to go in all other applications including bench, blinds, tree stands and roving.
At the Range
At the range, the Hellhound started out about three inches shy of the bull’s-eye at 10 yards, but was dead-on at 20 yards after adjustments were made. Two follow-up arrows were near Robin Hoods and every additional arrow (in over a dozen five-shot volleys) hit at or near point-of-aim.
The Hellhound 370 crossbow package includes three 20-inch arrows and field tips. The half-moon nocks are quick to load and seat solidly on the string, which is safer and provides better accuracy than most flat or universal nocks.
There were no misfires or malfunctions during a 100-shot session at the range. I wiped down my arrows and re-lubed the rail every five shots, as recommended in the owner’s manual. I definitely found that accuracy improved significantly when shooting clean arrows off a freshly lubed rail.
One point to remember when cocking the Hellhound with the provided rope cocker is that the string hooks must be placed in the downward position rather than facing up; another good reason to read the accompanying owner’s manual. Attempting to cock the crossbow with the hooks in the up position could result in a costly, dangerous and damaging malfunction. This condition varies between manufacturers so always read and heed, as the saying goes.
Next, it was off to the roving range for random shots at foam targets set at 20, 30 and 40 yards on either side of a winding trail through the wooded range. The midday session went well with no malfunctions or misses. Because the scope is not illuminated, I decided to run through the course again near dusk. Despite aging eyes, I was able to make repeated dead-center hits on all targets in spite of cloudy conditions 30 minutes before sunrise and after sunset, which is most states’ standard for “legal shooting time.”
There is much to like about the Hellhound 370. Trigger pull was a constant 3.5 pounds throughout the test period and there were no malfunctions or operating issues to report. I found the adjustable stock to be useful when changing from tree stands and blinds to still-hunting and the Hellhound’s compact size (33 inches) made it a joy to carry on the roving range.
The owner’s manual does not specifically recommend against leaving the Hellhound cocked for long periods of time, so I took advantage of the variable weather conditions during the test period and left it cocked (unloaded, of course) outdoors for two days. Temperatures ranged from 40 degrees to 90 degrees with periods of rain, sun and wind not unlike what one might encounter during an early-season deer hunt. After 48 hours of exposure to the elements, the crossbow was dead-on at 20 yards.
SA-Sports does not specifically warn against trying to de-cock the Hellhound using any method other than firing a serviceable arrow into a target rated for crossbow use. I will say that I have seen hunters de-cock their crossbows by hand but those were far more capable men than I. Absent the manufacturer’s instructions on de-cocking, I always err on the side of safety and simply shoot an old or used arrow into a soft target.
For review purposes, I always assemble each crossbow per the manufacturer’s instructions and then add a fully-loaded quiver, sling and scope covers for a complete and accurate test. In real-time hunting, anything and everything can conspire to ruin a shot, but the Hellhound came through with flying colors. I was especially pleased to see that the quiver mount on the Hellhound is small, ambidextrous and rock-solid, no minor issue when still-hunting or shooting from a stand. Even when fully loaded with mechanical broadheads the quiver did not move. Experienced hunters know that any squeak, rattle or pop that catches the ear of a big buck at 20 yards puts an immediate end to the hunt. I’ve had many disappointing experiences with floppy quiver mounts, squeaky slings and chatterbox scope covers over the years, including some of the most expensive units on the market. In all categories, the Hellhound was up to the task.
Complaints?
Other than the usual — no sling is provided with the Hellhound package — all I could find to fuss about was the scope covers, which are typically ill-fitting and not suited for hunting. Waterproof, flip-up style after-market scope caps are the better choice in rain or snow, and for an additional few dollars are well worth the investment.
Final Thoughts
All things considered, I would have no problem taking the Hellhound 370 on an extended, serious trip for trophy big game of any species. It is solidly built and is Robin Hood-accurate out to 50 yards, which is more than adequate for 99 percent of big-game hunting situations. Wait for a clear, broadside shot at 40 yards or less and the Hellhound will be up to the task.
The Hellhound package includes the crossbow, 4x32 non-illuminated multi-reticle scope, cocking rope, QD quiver, three 20-inch aluminum arrows and a one-year limited warranty. MSRP is a reasonable $399.
For more information on SA Sports’ line of crossbows log onto www.sa-sports.com.
Spec Sheet
Manufacturer: SA Sports Outdoor Gear
Model: Empire Hellhound 370
Draw Weight: 185 pounds
Power Stroke: 13.5 inches
Arrow Length: 20 inches
Trigger Pull: 3.5 pounds, dry-fire inhibitor
Sights: 4x32 Multi-reticle scope provided
Cocking Device: Rope cocker provided
Overall Length: 33 to 36 inches (adjustable)
Axle-to-Axle Length: 17.5 inches
Weight: 8.5 pounds
Other Features: Adjustable fore grip and tactical butt stock, adjustable string stoppers, QD quiver.
MSRP: $399
