OP - I had to read the negative feedback you received and not to sound rude or harsh, but he may be correct in stating you are indecisive: You bought the Lebel, and within a very short time are trying to sell it. In your defence, most people will have moments of indecision. You seem intent on having a NR handgun. The general consensus in this thread it seems is other members are erring on the side of safety trying to instruct a beginner in reloading for a handgun that may not be as forgiving as a modern model. I am the same, in that I would not want to provide information, and if it is misused (even though not my fault) someone was seriously hurt as a result. As you stated in your WTS ad you want a NR handgun, but are so unsure: This is understandeable because injury can be very serious if you screw up, but on the other side of that coin how many people reload and have been successful? I never had the luxury of anyone teaching me, (or easy internet access) but I did read reloading books as has been suggested to you and if you can learn from a nearby CGN member it should not be difficult to learn reloading. Yes it is more desirable to learn for a modern gun, as metalurgy has advanced by bounds since the ninteenth century. I would submit that you keep the Lebel until you have figured the art of reloading, for most antiques you can find (I doubt the modern cartridge chambered are sought after), it is likely you will be stuck reloading: Until you determine if reloading is something you will/can do, selling the Lebel will return you to square one. It appears the components are not impossible to locate, and although it is not the most easiest to procure components for, the 8mm can still be reloaded: Cartridges of the World 6th Edition I have lists a 115 grain bullet with 2.8 grains of Bullseye powder - Muzzle velocity 700 feet per second, muzzle energy 126 foot pounds. It also lists a "factory load" muzzle velocity and energy at 625 feet per second and 104 foot pounds respectively. "The 32 Smith and Wesson Long can be fired in these revolvers, but the cases bulge badly and accuracy is poor. When cooking up your own loads, stick to moderate charges and velocity as the Lebel revolver is not designed for high pressures... Bullet diameter is .330 inch and one can use the Lyman #32359 cast bullet." {Quoted from the text of the aforementioned book concerning the 1892 8mm Lebel}
If you lack the ability to follow directions from a reloading manual closely, don't lose sleep over it: Pack up and move on to another model where reloading isn't required: Reloading isn't for many people with different reasons. I like reloading, and have followed directions carefully for many years, and in the first few managed handloads for my rifle were very accurate. I suppose my intelligence is average, but my patience is for mechanical things like this, and if your strengths lay elsewhere it doesn't necessarily mean you wouldn't reload safely.
Follow the data published by reputable sources: Buy reloading manuals, and follow the instructions carefully, don't exceed safe charges of powder etc. listed by recognized and reputable manufacturers. Bullseye and Unique are Alliant powders, follow Alliant data and recommendations for their products: 700x, HP-38 are Hodgdon/IMR powders, follow their data and recommendations and data for their products. A reloading manual will cover how to use the tools and combine the ingredients to make cartridges: Follow the directions. If you follow the instructions correctly you can enjoy shooting the Lebel, if you don't (the caveat) your errors may hurt. It isn't for the impulsive: Patient, consistent, systematic procedure and focused while reloading.
And to conclude for the law student: Caveat lector
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, I've formally offered as well...
