My name is Jeff and I currently live in Catoosa Oklahoma. I'm disabled by way of parkinsons. I was 39 & a police officer when my symptoms started & now I've retired (I'm 47 today). I'm looking for something to do to occupy my time and am wondering if reloading might be something I could do. My right arm shakes pretty bad so let's say I could only use my left arm. Would a progressive machine work for me? Any opinions or advice would be greatly appreciated.
I have a Dillon 650 progressive with a case feeder. (Yes, I'm one of be blue kool aid drinkers) With this particular press you have to set the bullet in the case on the left side of the press and the handle is on the right. I'm sure that with a little imagination and patience, a system could be thought out.
Agree on the dillon. I use a 550 and often use one hand while my kid sets bullets.....then they get bored and run off
A single stage would work fine for you as well, just be a little slower. Reloading has no speed requirements. Slow is good
A single stage would work fine for you as well, just be a little slower. Reloading has no speed requirements. Slow is good
I'm new to this stuff too, so I'm just trying to think through this operationally. If you go progressive, I'd say one with auto index would be beneficial, as it would be one less operation you have to worry about. I can imagine you are pretty clever by now with figuring out mobility, and work arounds for stuff.
I've been thinking about this since my first reply and what would work best.
To add to my earlier post, I'm left handed and the only thing I use my right hand for when reloading is pulling the handle. Mounting the press at a slight angle and maybe using a stool that will swivel from side to side may also help.
To add to my earlier post, I'm left handed and the only thing I use my right hand for when reloading is pulling the handle. Mounting the press at a slight angle and maybe using a stool that will swivel from side to side may also help.
How about a Lee turret press. Kinda' in between the single press and the progressive. One handed operation would be fine. Primer loading would be a little awkward at first, but could be worked out.
I would advise you to try it. If you still shoot you should try it for sure.
If you have a lot of time bullet casting would be good to. Go check out J and K Bullet Casters in OKC. If you have some money to invest you could get some equipment and even sell some bullets.
Even if you didn't make much money casting bullets it would be a great time killer and you could make some new friends from sales.
If you have a lot of time bullet casting would be good to. Go check out J and K Bullet Casters in OKC. If you have some money to invest you could get some equipment and even sell some bullets.
Even if you didn't make much money casting bullets it would be a great time killer and you could make some new friends from sales.
You might get some creative metal worker to make a handle that would work from the left side.
I just went and pulled the handle on my Dillon 550 with my left hand. It was a little awkward for me. It can be done and I would get he hang of it.
I made my bench a little taller and I can sit on a stool and load or stand up and load. Standing up it would be easy to use my left hand to pull the lever.
There are also some presses that have the handle right in the center.
I just went and pulled the handle on my Dillon 550 with my left hand. It was a little awkward for me. It can be done and I would get he hang of it.
I made my bench a little taller and I can sit on a stool and load or stand up and load. Standing up it would be easy to use my left hand to pull the lever.
There are also some presses that have the handle right in the center.
I also recommend the lee. the Dillons are awesome machines for sure, but you pay for that awesomeness. The 4 hole turret is inexpensive, it uses standard dies, support is great and the handle on the press can be put on either the left or right side - which is exactly what you need!
Low cost of setup is important, and the lee press delivers. If you discover you love the hobby, you can always upgrade to the Dillon. but a nice leisurely pace will ensure quality loads and no undue stress on the press.
Get the Lee Safety prime for the press. It's a must have item, especially for shaky hands.
I am sure a representative from the tulsa area will be along eventually and offer to meet up and help you get going. If I were in the area, i'd do it. If no one else does, shoot me a PM. I'd be happy to fly up and give you a hand.
cheers!
Low cost of setup is important, and the lee press delivers. If you discover you love the hobby, you can always upgrade to the Dillon. but a nice leisurely pace will ensure quality loads and no undue stress on the press.
Get the Lee Safety prime for the press. It's a must have item, especially for shaky hands.
I am sure a representative from the tulsa area will be along eventually and offer to meet up and help you get going. If I were in the area, i'd do it. If no one else does, shoot me a PM. I'd be happy to fly up and give you a hand.
cheers!
Using a single stage press like a Rock Chucker can be done left handed very easily. The new Rock Chucker supreme allows you to move the handle from right to left. The shell holder will swivel to allow you to place the case in from either side as well. The Rock Chucker also has a good mechanical advantage to allow less force to be used to do the operations. Go for it, just take it slowly and you should enjoy it.
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