D&D 5E (2024) How do you rule using a Hand Crossbow with a nick weapon

[UngeheuerLich]

- heck, let’s go bananas and let you close it behind you too!

Dissociative mechanic.

 

[ECMO3]

The Crossbow Expert feat specifically let you load a piece of ammunition into it even if you lack a free hand.

Where does it "specifically" say this? To my knowledge, niether the 2014 or 2024 version specifically say this, nor do they say they overrides the ammunition property.

 

[ECMO3]

As UngeheuerLich say, a non Crossbow Expert can still attack 2+ on a turn with a Loading weapon, for exemple attacking with a Hand Crossbow, and then attacking again with another Action such as Action Surge.

Likewise, a non Crossbow Expert can attack with a Hand Crossbow, unequip it, use a Free Item Interaction to equip a different Hand Crossbow and attack with it as a Bonus Action.

Yes but BOTH of these characters need to have their other hand free in order to load the crossbow, per the ammunition property.

 

[ECMO3]

I could easily picture a Crossbow Expert putting the crossbow between it's legs or under an arm, reload with the hand before picking it up again.

Sure I can picture it, but that is not RAW. RAW he needs a free hand to load a piece of ammunition.

 

[EzekielRaiden]

If you were holding multiple loading weapons, do you get a once per round use for each individual weapon?

That was my understanding, yes.

 

[UngeheuerLich]

Yes but BOTH of these characters need to have their other hand free in order to load the crossbow, per the ammunition property.

I don't see any reason why the other hand should not be free when reloading.

 

[UngeheuerLich]

Sure I can picture it, but that is not RAW. RAW he needs a free hand to load a piece of ammunition.

At the time of reloading. Not at the time of shooting.
Othewise bows and other crossbows were unusable as they are classified as two handed weapons.