Handloading question

[joeyd]

would it be possible to handload using only one hand?
I was in a serious accident a few years back and I lost the use of my left hand. Prior to the accident I was a sxs shotgun collector gave it up after the accident and refocused on SA revolvers, now as I look to further my involvement, Im thinking about if I might be able to reload

could one safely reload using only one hand?, by gods grace the hand I do have is my dominant hand Ive adapted quite well but I dont want to buy reloding gear if its not logical
thoughts appreciated
god bless
joe

 

[Robb Barnes]

I sure do not see a problem with reloading with one hand. You will have to think things through as to steps such as not being able to load a case in the shell holder while the other hand cycles the ram but that is nothing that can not be worked around. I would suggest looking into one of the electronic scales however. It would save a lot of time and "cross reaching" with a balance beam scale.

 

[Kanook]

Post the state where you live and I'm betting somebody would let you try.

I'm in South Fl and you are welcome to hit my press for a couple days just to make sure.

 

[StanMemTn]

I bet it would be slow going at first (though that's true for any new reloader), but it could certainly be done!

 

[Rclark]

I certainly don't see a problem with it. Just a bit slower is all. The only processes that would require some thought would be things like deburring or wiping the cases (where case is in one hand and tool in other). Have to have a holder/fixure of some type.... Once you get to the press, that can be done easily with one hand.

 

[captainjack]

This is just a thought but could'nt a press be adapted to operate with a foot pedal ? Last time I reloaded was years ago and that was shotgun but I think you could build some linkage to use your foot and good hand. I wish you the best of success in your challenge.

 

[Iron Mike Golf]

Yes. I ran my press one-handed while recovering from wrist surgery. It is slower, though.

 

[JHRosier]

Joe,

I had to deal with a broken arm a year or so ago.
I found single action revolvers ( my first love) very difficult to load and unload.
I borrowed a double action revolver from a friend for a couple of months.

I didn't do much loading until I got back partial use of my arm. What I did load was on my Lyman turret press. The turret press eliminates a lot of handling of the brass.

If I was to have to deal with a permanent disability, I would go with a turret press.
The Lee classic cast turret press uses a removable turret and should be a breeze to set up by just changing the turret.

My Dillon progressive press was way too much trouble as it needs the empty case inserted from one side and a bullet inserted from the other.

It might be possible to rig up a couple of sprockets with a chain and return spring to work the ram. You would want to reduce the travel of the foot pedal and make use of your weight.

Jack

 

[JHRosier]

Post the state where you live and I'm betting somebody would let you try.

....

Same offer here, I'm in central Massachusetts.


BTW, a variable speed drill could be rigged to run at low speed and use a foot pedal to actuate, for case trimming, primer pocket cleaning, and champhering.

Jack

 

[VAdoublegunner]

I think it is an excellent sugestion to get a turret press. You will get a completed round produced after several lever pulls, but will not have to further slow things down by changing dies and managing partially processed cases. It would seem the easiest to adapt to one handed use from a priming, powder throw and bullet setting perspective.

I'm not sure if the handle can be adapted for either left or right hand use, but that may be a consideration. For many single stages, if it is set up to use the ram righthanded, the press "window" for setting the bullet is on the left. My RCBS RS2 is angled to the right. That could prove awkward depending on which hand you use. It may be something to consider when you are looking at one to see if it can be configured to have the ram handle and more open angle of the window on the same side to provide you more efficient handling.

 

[Flint Ridge]

To me the progressive presses would work. Most use two hands as the normal. One hand on the crank and another placing the bullet. I have a casefeeder and that is very nice. Bullet feeders are out there, but expensive. Seems logical that a person could convert the primary pulling of the crank to a leg operated function at a much lower cost.

Money no object I like the Dillon 1050 as long as you are sticking to a caliber for several thousand rounds.

 

[DeletedMember275]

I certainly agree that you can learn to reload with only one hand. I'd suggest perhaps watching a video that shows the steps if you're unfamiliar with them, and then ask yourself 'what's the best/easiest/least motion-intensive way to do that particular step?' Think things through, and you're certain to come up with a way.

I also agree that a single action revolver will be difficult to load and unload with one hand. A DA revolver would be easier, and an auto pistol can also be manipulated with one hand ~ although not necessarily in what a range officer would consider a 'safe' mode. I received some training in one method by the Air Force Security Forces when I was last in the sandbox. Googling 'one hand auto pistol' turned up these sites, among many others:

http://tinyurl.com/27kajzy

http://desertdavesteotwawkisurvivalguide.blogspot.com/2010/08/one-handed-reloading-of-semi-auto.html

 

[twobisquit]

I lost the use of my left hand in an accident 5 years ago.I was unable to drive a car or do much of anything, so reloading was the only way I could enjoy my sport. I loaded 20 rounds about 2 days after getting out of the hospital and worked up to 100 rounds in about 2 weeks. It was hard to do but it was my best therapy for getting back to a normal life. The hardest part was charging a case but I eventually learned to use the Lee Perfect Powder Measure with one hand. Looking back, it might have been easier to use the Lee powder dippers. I never had problems using the press.

Since then, I have reloaded thousands of rounds and actually enjoy reloading more than before my accident. I think that any good retailer would help you get started. Good Luck and you can PM me any time.

 

[CLAYPOOL]

Try one of the new Hornady Case prep centers. That way you could do ALL your case prep with that motorised unit. Very nice, but kinda pricy. Check it out on line. Just bought mine with a unit # in the 1800's. Hope the "Bugs" are worked out.....
SEE YUW
CLAYPOOL 8)

 

[joeyd]

I can go explore it seems there is hope, I will learn to adapt
god bless,
Joe

 

[joeyd]

thanks for the encouragement!

 

[revhigh]

Where are you located joey ?

I'm sure somebody will hook up with you nearby.

REV

 

[joeyd]

Im in Minnesota.
joe

 

[Iron Mike Golf]

Having been semi-laid up recovering from wrist surgery is what got me shooting revolvers! I could still go shooting even with my strong side arm in a splint and sling. I fired one of my semi's first time since August last week, but it's still too early to fire using my strong hand.