Time to get me one would use for hunting whitetail bb fallow and rams. Don't wanna break the bank
Any recommendations?

I have the Barnett Penetrator and Barnett Hellcat both bought from Dicks Sporting goods. I would regard these as the Savage brand of crossbows in the $500-$550 range. Functional, fast and fairly accurate. Drawbacks are a little bulky, heavy and loud but with 350fps+, it's something I can live with.

I have two Stryker 380's, bought one in 2011 (camo limbs)for me and one in 2012 (black limbs) for my Dad. My Dad had a knock split and had to have cams, strings, etc, replaced on his but other than that it has been trouble free. Mine ...... had limbs delam twice. Was replaced first with black limbs that were supposed to be the fix. Did the same thing last year and they replaced with black limbs, new string that is 1/2" longer and has been fine since. Both times under warranty and took two weeks at bow shops that had most of the parts on hand. These shoot fast, not front heavy like most, 19 1/2" axle to axle. If I had to do over I'd go with one of the Excalibur models.

TKM, I really do like the Excaliburs but when I bought my Barnetts 3-4 years ago, the Excaliburs at that time were fairly bulky (heavy) and wide. Noticed over the last 1-2, they have gotten a little less wide and lighter. Like the simplicity of them and ability to restring them oneself.

Yeah, with a recurve they will be wide but not much to go wrong on them. My uncle has a Barnett and likes it very much, shoots very well. I'm hoping the Strykers stay together from here on out just due to them being so darn light and small, we will see.

I have the Matrix 380 and it is short and light. The Exvalibur Matrx series are not as wide as the others. I did see BassPro with some regular Excaliburs on clearance.