Killer Instinct released the BOSS 405 this year. It is an affordable crossbow that is fully adjustable for a custom fit. The crossbow shoots 405 feet per second with deadly accuracy thanks to its enhanced micro-lite aluminum barrel and 3.5-pound TriggerTech trigger.
Killer released three other models this year, the Speed 405, the Burner 415, and the highly anticipated SWAT XP.
In the package you’ll find the Killer Instinct BOSS 405 Crossbow, LUMIX 4 x 32 IR-W Scope, rope cocker, string suppressors, 3-bolt quiver, 3 HYPR Lite Bolts (370-grains) with Field Tips(100-grain), and a stick of rail lube.
Table of Contents
Killer Instinct BOSS 405 Crossbow Specs
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Size and Weight
The Boss 405 measures an overall length of 33.5 inches (36″ incl foot-stirrup) and a width(axle-to-axle) of 18.75 inches uncocked and 14.75 inches cocked.
The crossbow is built with a compact narrow frame and is lightweight. The BOSS 405 tips our scales at 5.5 lbs. (barebow) and 6.7 lbs with accessories.
Design and Construction
The BOSS 405 features a Micro-Lite Aluminum Barrel that eliminates excess weight, instead of being full aluminum, the top half of the barrel is all aluminum and the bottom is composite.
The BOSS 405 can be fully adjusted so it can fit hunters of any size. It features an adjustable 6-position AR-style butt stock. You can adjust the AR-style stock in six-positions with 1/5 inch increments between them, so you can extend it up to 3 inches.
You can also adjust the X-Lok foregrip as well, it offers multiple holding points. The X-Lok foregrip features a rubber over-mold coating that makes it comfortable to hold.
Killer Instinct made sure the crossbow is very quiet during shooting, they installed the BOSS 405 with the Dead Silent Kit, consisting of string dampeners and limb suppressors, they reduce noise and vibration during the shot.
Arrows and Speed
The BOSS 405 has a 220 pound draw weight and a power stroke of 13.25 inches and shoots arrows with a top speed of 405 feet per second, delivering up to 134 lbs KE knockdown power. This is enough power to hunt the biggest game out there, whether it is whitetail or elk, even bears are no match for this hard-hitting precision weapon.
The HYPR Lite arrows are high-quality hunting arrows, designed and build with the goal to maximize the speed delivered by today’s high-powered crossbows. I used these arrows a lot for hunting deer and they never disappoint.
The HYPR Lite arrows are made from dense lightweight carbon, have a total shaft length of 20 inches, and a diameter of 0.348 inches. They are fletched with 3-inch vanes and the arrows have inserted moon nocks. They weigh 340 grain with 100 grain field tips. The BOSS 405 comes with a fast attach side-mount quiver that can hold a total of three arrows.
Moon nocking fits snugly to the bowstrings and is designed to fit all Killer Instinct Crossbows!
Optics
The Lumix IR-W scope 4×32 illuminated wire reticle scope is a cheap 50$ crossbow scope, but it is still a decent scope. The scope is of course illuminated, you can switch between red and blue illumination. The scope has multiple brightness settings and a multi reticle for shooting different yardages up to about 50 yards.
Cocking
You’ll have to pull 220 pounds to cock the BOSS 405. You can also use the rope cocker that is included in the package. With the rope cocking device you’ll reduce the pull weight by 50 percent, so you’ll only have to pull 110 pounds using the rope cocker.
The crossbow is also compatible with Killer Instinct’s DSC Dead Silent Crank but it is not included in the Pro package.
Trigger and Safety Features
The Boss 405 is equiped with a 3.5-pound KillerTech trigger that is worth 200$ on its own. The trigger has an ambidextrous safety switch and integrated Anti-Dry Fire, which prevents you from accidentally dry firing the crossbow when unloaded. The crossbow also has finger safety reminders below the flight deck.
Assembly and Sighting-in
The BOSS 405 is very easy to set up, took me 10 minutes, and sighting-in the scope is easy as well, it only took me about 5 minutes and a couple of shots.
Follow the instructions in the user manual that is included in the package carefully and you’ll be fine, even if you’ve never set up a crossbow or sighted-in a scope.
Range Test
The compact frame and reduced overall length of the BOSS 405 make the crossbow easy to handle and lightweight to carry. I adjusted the AR-style stock and X-Lok foregrip a bit for a more custom fit.
The crossbow is very comfortable to carry and it is well balanced, the nose of the crossbow doesn’t feel to heavy.
The crossbow was relatively easy to cock with the rope cocker but it still might be too much for some smaller framed hunters or hunters with a weaker back.
I speed tested the crossbow with the HYPR Lite arrows that were included in the package. On my chronograph, I measured speeds in the range of 350-390 feet perx second. I did not reach the top speed of the crossbow(yet).
Brands often speed test their crossbows in certain conditions to achieve the maximum speed rating.
The KillerTech trigger offers a clean, consistent break and the crossbow is also remarkably silent during shooting due to its integrated Dead Silent Kit.
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Recommended Accessories
Arrows & Broadheads
We recommend using Killer Instinct’s 20-inch Hypr Lite carbon crossbow arrows.
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Pair the Hypr Lite arrows with Rage Crossbow X broadheads. These mechanical broadheads are optimized for high speed crossbows. They are availabe in 100 grain and 125 grain and have a 2-inch cutting diameter.
If you are looking for budget broadheads then the hunting broadheads from Sinbadteck are a fine pick. They weigh 100 grain and have a 1.035-inch cutting diameter.
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Killer Instinct DSC Dead Silent Crank
The BOSS 405 is compatible with the Killer Instinct Dead Silent Crank. With the DSC you can cock the crossbow in complete silence and it requires little effort.
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Storage and Transportation
We recommend buying a Slayer Crossbow Case to store and carry the BOSS 405 around. It is an affordable and durable crossbow case from Killer instinct.
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If you want a crossbow sling to carry the BOSS 405 then we recommend buying a universal black padded crossbow sling from Southland Archery.
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Our Rating of the Killer Instinct BOSS 405
Summary
If you are looking for a comfortable and easy to handle, fully adjustable, compact, and well-balanced 405 fps crossbow for an affordable price, then this is a fantastic deal. The Killer Instinct BOSS 405 is one of the best budget crossbows on the market.
Pros
- Hard-hitting 405 feet per second
- Compact, lightweight, and easy to handle
- Durable
- Accurate
- Fully adjustable for a customized fit
- Quiet
- Affordable
Cons
- Draw weight might be too much for some smaller framed hunters or hunters with a weaker back
If you’re looking for a faster crossbow from Killer then I’d point you towards the Killer Instinct Ripper 415.
