On two separate occasions I have witnessed a regular (middle) crossbow being reloaded at alarming speed. Once player admitted to the piece not being loom'd even once.
Having played as crossbowman for like, umpteen generations, I am familiar with the masterwork crossbow. It does not load as fast as a light crossbow.
I think something is up... unless the hunting crossbow looks identical because of a recent patch? Even so the trajectory would give it away. Any thoughts?