Hodgdon Powder Company

Overview

Hodgdon Powder Company

Industry	Manufacturer of ammunition components
Founded	1947
Headquarters	6430 Vista Drive, Shawnee, Kansas 66218
Key people	Bruce E. Hodgdon, founder; J.B. Hodgdon; Bob Hodgdon; Tom Shepard; Chris Hodgdon; Steve Kehrwald
Products	smokeless powders; and black powder substitutes
Website	https://www.hodgdonpowderco.com/

Established in 1947 by Bruce and Amy Hodgdon, sons J.B. and Bob grew Hodgdon Powder Company into the largest US supplier of smokeless and blackpowder substitute propellants. The company distributes gunpowder under the Hodgdon®, IMR®, Ramshot®, Acccurate®, Winchester®, Pyrodex®, Triple Seven® and Blackhorn 209® brands.

The Hodgdon Powder Company was founded in the aftermath of World War II when Bruce Hodgdon capitalized on surplus military powder by repackaging it for commercial use. This entrepreneurial venture became the cornerstone for the company's growth and expansion.

History of Hodgdon Powder Company

Post-War Beginnings:

In 1947, as America began to recover from the devastation of World War II, Bruce Eltinge Hodgdon, a Navy veteran, recognized an untapped market for propellant. After World War I, surplus military powder was often discarded into the oceans. Bruce saw this as an opportunity after World War II. He founded Hodgdon Powder Company by repackaging surplus military powder for commercial use, laying the groundwork for what would become a cornerstone of the shooting industry.

Early Entrepreneurial Efforts:

Bruce, who worked as a salesman for the Gas Service Company, started Hodgdon with $1,500 borrowed against his life insurance policy, bought 50,000lbs of surplus 4895 and took an ad out in American Rifleman Magazine saying, “Gunpowder for Sale.”  His initial sales included 150-pound glued labels, packed in wooden boxes crafted from orange crates by Bruce and his young sons, J.B. and Bob (Bruce paid his note off in three months).  The family 1940 Ford was used to transport hundreds of thousands of pounds of powder to various shipping points.

Growth and Expansion:

In 1952, Bruce left his sales job to focus entirely on Hodgdon Powder Company. By 1966, the company had grown significantly, leading to the creation of Hodgdon Powder Company as a distinct entity. Since that time, the company has expanded its offerings to include several brands of smokeless powder, black powder substitutes and reloading tools.

Innovations and Contributions:

The Hodgdon’s were industry pioneers. In 1976, Hodgdon introduced Pyrodex, a safer and more efficient black powder substitute, which revolutionized the black powder market. Later innovations included Triple Seven, introduced in 2001, known for its easy cleanup and lack of sulfur smell, and Triple Seven Magnums in 2007, which provided higher energy for serious hunting.

Continued Innovation and Legacy:

Hodgdon Powder Company continued to grow, acquiring IMR Powder Company in 2003 and the Accurate Powder, Blackhorn 209 and Ramshot brands in 2020. In 2006, Hodgdon began licensing the Winchester brand of powders from the Olin Corporation. In 2024, Hodgdon purchased the legendary reloading tool brand, RCBS.

Despite the passing of Bruce Hodgdon in 1997 and Bob Hodgdon in 2023, the company remains a family business, with J.B. Hodgdon and Chris Hodgdon still active on the board, with other family members who are or have worked in the company.

Facilities and Community Engagement:

Hodgdon Powder Company operates out of Shawnee, Kansas, with additional facilities in Herington, Kansas, Miles City, Montana and Oroville, California. The company also built the world's largest indoor shooting range in 1967, known as The Bullet Hole, in Overland Park, Kansas. The family later sold off the Bullet Hole.

Conclusion:

For over 75 years, Hodgdon Powder Company has thrived on the goodwill and satisfaction of its loyal customers. The company's rich history, marked by innovation and dedication, continues to shape the future of the shooting sports industry, ensuring that Hodgdon products remain integral to the pursuits of hunters and shooters worldwide.

Products

Hodgdon offers a comprehensive range of propellants catering to various shooting disciplines. Their product line includes smokeless powders for rifles, pistols, and shotguns, as well as black powder substitutes like Pyrodex and Triple Seven. These products are meticulously designed to meet the diverse needs of hunters, competitive shooters, and hobbyists, ensuring superior performance and safety.

In addition to their extensive selection of propellants, Hodgdon also provides RCBS reloading tools and equipment. RCBS is a respected brand in the shooting industry, known for its high-quality reloading presses, dies, and accessories. By offering RCBS tools, Hodgdon empowers shooters to precisely handload their ammunition, optimizing performance for their specific requirements. This combination of premium propellants and reliable reloading equipment positions Hodgdon as a one-stop shop for shooting enthusiasts seeking excellence in both performance and safety.

Modern Black Powder Substitutes

Hodgdon is renowned for developing modern black powder substitutes, providing safer and more efficient alternatives to traditional black powder. Notable products in this category include Pyrodex and Triple Seven, which offer consistent performance and reduced fouling.

These substitutes are designed for use in muzzleloaders and certain antique firearms, addressing the hazards associated with black powder, such as its easy ignition by sparks or static electricity. The closure of the United States' largest black powder manufacturing facility following an accidental explosion, compounded by 1970 legislation discouraging merchants from stocking black powder, threatened the future of historical re-enactments with replica firearms. However, Hodgdon introduced Pyrodex in 1976, offering the combustion characteristics of black powder with the safety of smokeless powder, ensuring the continuity of these traditions.

Environmental and Safety Initiatives

The company is committed to environmental stewardship and safety. Hodgdon Powder Company has implemented stringent quality control measures and adheres to industry regulations to ensure the safe manufacture and handling of its products.

References

- Hodgdon Powder Company official website

- Industry publications and historical records

- Interviews with company founders and executives

- The Gunpowder People

External links

• Hodgdon Powder Company