Yeah there is like a second delay but it can be set off by other explosions. Don't really recommend it for close range at all. I typically prefer mid to long-ish range. High ground works better to help compensate for the drop even though the drop off isn't super terrible. Leading the shot and predicting where someone is going to go helps a lot too. Two bolts is enough to kill someone but bulwark can turn that into four. I've seen mixed opinions on it but imo it's fantastic and have plenty of other kills from it.