D&D 5E Rules questions...

[Weather Report]

So, do you need a hand free to reload (RAW)? Like if you are dual-wielding a hand crossbow and another weapon?

 

[cmbarona]

RAW, no. I don't think so, at least. The Hand Crossbow doesn't even have the Loading property that the Light and Heavy do. That's always somewhat bothered me, but whatever. The Sling runs into the same problem. It could be argued anyone proficient with such weapons would have the manual dexterity to grasp and place ammunition around whatever is in their other hand, I suppose.

Also, unless I'm mistaken, RAW doesn't address dual-wielding ranged weapons, only melee. While attacking with one, you could be holding an equally useless sponge in the other hand as far as those rules are concerned.