Hodgdon Powder Company: Difference between revisions

Hodgdon Powder Company
Industry	Manufacturer of ammunition components
Founded	1966
Headquarters	6430 Vista Drive, Shawnee, Kansas 66218
Key people	Bruce E. Hodgdon, founder; J.B. Hodgdon; Bob Hodgdon
Products	smokeless powders; and black powder substitutes
Website	https://www.hodgdon.com/

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The Hodgdon Powder Company began in 1952 as B.E. Hodgdon, Inc., and has become a major distributor of smokeless powder for the ammunition industry, as well as for individuals who load their own ammunition by hand. The company's corporate office and manufacturing facilities are located in Kansas, United States. Hodgdon acquired IMR Powder Company in 2003.^[1] Winchester branded reloading powders have been distributed in the United States by Hodgdon since March 2006.

Background

In the opening days of World War II, a chemist friend of Bruce E. Hodgdon was casually reminiscing about World War I. He mentioned the quantities of surplus smokeless powder the military had dumped at sea after the war; and speculated how useful that would have been to handloaders struggling through the Great Depression. He anticipated a similar surplus powder situation might occur after World War II.^[2] Hodgdon began investigating availability of surplus powder when the war ended; and sales to handloaders began in 1946. One of the first powders he found was 4895 used for loading .30-06 Springfield service ammunition. He purchased 25 tons of government surplus 4895 for $2000 and then purchased two boxcars to store it in preparation for resale at 75 cents per pound. His family initially packaged the powder for resale in the basement of their home.^[3] In 1947, he began acquisition of 80 tons of spherical powder salvaged from disassembled .303 British military rifle cartridges manufactured in the United States. By 1949, he was marketing the powder as BL type C. The C was to indicate the powder burned "cooler" than traditional Improved Military Rifle (IMR) powders.^[4] In 1949, he began acquisition of powder salvaged from disassembled Oerlikon 20mm cannon cartridges. This powder resembled IMR 4350 in appearance, and with a slower burning rate, was initially marketed as "4350 Data", and later as 4831.^[5]

United States powder manufacturers had discontinued production of sporting ammunition during World War II; and after the war attempted to exercise greater product safety control by emphasizing sales of loaded ammunition rather than resuming production of handloading components.^[6] A common approach to product safety involved offering ammunition safe for use in the oldest or weakest firearm chambered for that cartridge. Owners of stronger firearms found and experimented with Hodgdon's previously unknown powders to achieve ballistics superior to available factory ammunition for older cartridges like the 7.92×57mm Mauser.^[7] Long-range shooters found 4831 was superior to previously available powders for high-capacity bottle-necked cases.^[8]

History

United States powder manufacturers resumed powder sales of one-pound (454 gram) canisters after observing Hodgdon's successful sales to handloaders. DuPont resumed retail distribution of their pre-war nitrocellulose Improved Military Rifle (IMR) series; and Hercules Powder Company resumed production of six of their pre-war double-base powders. Hodgdon Powder Company began using an H-prefix to differentiate powders distributed by Hodgdon from competitors. Surplus Vulcan cannon spherical powder was distributed as H870 beginning in 1959.^[9]

All of the surplus BL type C had been sold by 1961. Olin Corporation had manufactured the powder as 846, and continued production for loading 7.62×51mm NATO cartridges.^[4] Hodgdon began marketing post-war production as spherical BL-C lot no. 2, or BL-C(2). Olin began retail distribution of Winchester-Western ball powders for pistol and shotgun loading in 1960; and Winchester-Western rifle ball powders followed in 1968.^[7] Hodgdon distributed spherical powders HS-5 and HS-6 for shotguns and H110, H335, H380, H414, and H450 for rifles.^[10]

DuPont added IMR 4895 to their retail distribution line in 1962, and added IMR 4831 in 1973 when supplies of surplus H4831 were exhausted.^[11] Hodgdon then acquired newly manufactured H4831 from Nobel Enterprises in Scotland. The Nobel formulations offer similar ballistic performance, but substitute centralite deterrent coatings for dinitrotoluene used in United States formulations.^[7] Handloaders were advised H-prefix powders were not the same as IMR-prefix powders of the same number.^[5] Hodgdon distributed H4198 and H4227 similar to IMR powders distributed by DuPont.^[10]

Modern black powder substitutes

Hodgdon's product line includes Pyrodex and Triple Seven, which are modern substitutes for black powder and intended for use in muzzleloaders and certain antique firearms. Consequences of black powder's easy ignition by sparks or static electricity make manufacture and storage hazardous. The sole factory of the United States' largest 20th-century black powder manufacturer was closed by an accidental explosion as 1970 legislation established new regulations discouraging merchants from stocking black powder for sale. Future historical re-enactments with replica firearms appeared doubtful until Hodgdon introduced black powder substitute Pyrodex in 1975 with black powder combustion characteristics and smokeless powder safety.^[12]

References

^ "The IMR Story". IMR Powder. Hodgdon Powder Company. Archived from the original on February 2, 2023.
^ "About Us". Hodgdon. Hodgdon Powder Company. Archived from the original on February 5, 2023.
^ Carter, Aaron (2018). "Hodgdon, the Inside Story". American Rifleman. 166 (10). National Rifle Association of America: 44.
^ ^a ^b Simpson, Layne Propellant Profiles (1982) Wolfe Publishing Company p.81 ISBN 0-935632-10-7
^ ^a ^b Hagel, Bob Propellant Profiles (1982) Wolfe Publishing Company p.113 ISBN 0-935632-10-7
^ Landis, Charles S. (1947). Twenty-Two Caliber Varmint Rifles. Harrisburg, Pennsylvania: Small-Arms Technical Publishing Company. p. 418.
^ ^a ^b ^c Davis, William C., Jr. Handloading (1981) National Rifle Association ISBN 0-935998-34-9 pp.33-34&205-206
^ Wooters, John Propellant Profiles (1982) Wolfe Publishing Company p.111 ISBN 0-935632-10-7
^ Hagel, Bob Propellant Profiles (1982) Wolfe Publishing Company p.109 ISBN 0-935632-10-7
^ ^a ^b Hodgdon, Bruce Hodgdon's Reloading Data Manual no. 21 (1970) Hodgdon Powder Company
^ Harvey, Clay Propellant Profiles (1982) Wolfe Publishing Company pp.47-48 ISBN 0-935632-10-7
^ Waters, Ken Propellant Profiles (1982) Wolfe Publishing Company pp.75-80 ISBN 0-935632-10-7

External links

Hodgdon Powder Company

[1] "The IMR Story". IMR Powder. Hodgdon Powder Company. Archived from the original on February 2, 2023.

[2] "About Us". Hodgdon. Hodgdon Powder Company. Archived from the original on February 5, 2023.

[3] Carter, Aaron (2018). "Hodgdon, the Inside Story". American Rifleman. 166 (10). National Rifle Association of America: 44.

[layne-4] Simpson, Layne Propellant Profiles (1982) Wolfe Publishing Company p.81 ISBN 0-935632-10-7

[hagel-5] Hagel, Bob Propellant Profiles (1982) Wolfe Publishing Company p.113 ISBN 0-935632-10-7

[6] Landis, Charles S. (1947). Twenty-Two Caliber Varmint Rifles. Harrisburg, Pennsylvania: Small-Arms Technical Publishing Company. p. 418.

[nra-7] Davis, William C., Jr. Handloading (1981) National Rifle Association ISBN 0-935998-34-9 pp.33-34&205-206

[8] Wooters, John Propellant Profiles (1982) Wolfe Publishing Company p.111 ISBN 0-935632-10-7

[9] Hagel, Bob Propellant Profiles (1982) Wolfe Publishing Company p.109 ISBN 0-935632-10-7

[hodgdon-10] Hodgdon, Bruce Hodgdon's Reloading Data Manual no. 21 (1970) Hodgdon Powder Company

[11] Harvey, Clay Propellant Profiles (1982) Wolfe Publishing Company pp.47-48 ISBN 0-935632-10-7

[12] Waters, Ken Propellant Profiles (1982) Wolfe Publishing Company pp.75-80 ISBN 0-935632-10-7

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@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-== Overview ==
 {{Infobox company
 | name = Hodgdon Powder Company
 | logo = File:Hodgdon_Powder_Company_logo.png
-| fate =
+|  fate         =
-| foundation = 1947
+| foundation = 1966
 | location = 6430 Vista Drive, Shawnee, Kansas 66218
-| slogan =
+| slogan          =
-| key_people = Bruce E. Hodgdon, founder; J.B. Hodgdon; Bob Hodgdon; Tom Shepard; Chris Hodgdon; Steve Kehrwald
+| key_people = Bruce E. Hodgdon, founder; J.B. Hodgdon; Bob Hodgdon
-| industry = Manufacturer of ammunition components
+| industry =  Manufacturer of ammunition components
 | products = [[smokeless powder]]s; and black powder substitutes
-| homepage = https://www.hodgdonpowderco.com/
+| homepage = https://www.hodgdon.com/
 | parent =
 }}
+The '''Hodgdon Powder Company''' began in 1952 as B.E. Hodgdon, Inc., and has become a major distributor of [[smokeless powder]] for the [[ammunition]] industry, as well as for individuals who [[Handloading|load their own ammunition by hand]].  The company's corporate office and manufacturing facilities are located in [[Kansas]], United States. Hodgdon acquired [[Improved Military Rifle (IMR)|IMR Powder Company]] in 2003.<ref>{{cite web |title=The IMR Story |url=https://imrpowder.com/company/about-us/ |website=IMR Powder |publisher=Hodgdon Powder Company |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202012756/https://imrpowder.com/company/about-us/ |archive-date=February 2, 2023 |language=en-us |url-status=live}}</ref> Winchester branded reloading powders have been distributed in the United States by Hodgdon since March 2006.
-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.'''
+== Background ==
-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.
+In the opening days of [[World War II]], a chemist friend of Bruce E. Hodgdon was casually reminiscing about [[World War I]].  He mentioned the quantities of surplus smokeless powder the military had dumped at sea after the war; and speculated how useful that would have been to handloaders struggling through the [[Great Depression]].  He anticipated a similar surplus powder situation might occur after World War II.<ref>{{cite web |title=About Us |url=https://hodgdon.com/company/about-us/ |website=Hodgdon |publisher=Hodgdon Powder Company |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205134203/https://hodgdon.com/company/about-us/ |archive-date=February 5, 2023 |language=en-us |url-status=live}}</ref>  Hodgdon began investigating availability of surplus powder when the war ended; and sales to handloaders began in 1946.  One of the first powders he found was 4895 used for loading [[.30-06 Springfield]] service ammunition. He purchased 25 tons of government surplus 4895 for $2000 and then purchased two [[boxcar]]s to store it in preparation for resale at 75 cents per pound. His family initially packaged the powder for resale in the basement of their home.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Carter |first=Aaron |year=2018 |title=Hodgdon, the Inside Story |journal=[[American Rifleman]] |volume=166 |issue=10 |page=44 |publisher=National Rifle Association of America }}</ref> In 1947, he began acquisition of 80 tons of [[spherical powder]] salvaged from disassembled [[.303 British]] military rifle cartridges manufactured in the United States.  By 1949, he was marketing the powder as BL type C.  The C was to indicate the powder burned "cooler" than traditional [[Improved Military Rifle (IMR)]] powders.<ref name="layne">Simpson, Layne ''Propellant Profiles'' (1982) Wolfe Publishing Company p.81 {{ISBN|0-935632-10-7}}</ref>  In 1949, he began acquisition of powder salvaged from disassembled [[Oerlikon 20mm cannon]] cartridges.  This powder resembled IMR 4350 in appearance, and with a slower burning rate, was initially marketed as "4350 Data", and later as 4831.<ref name="hagel">Hagel, Bob ''Propellant Profiles'' (1982) Wolfe Publishing Company p.113 {{ISBN|0-935632-10-7}}</ref>
+United States powder manufacturers had discontinued production of sporting ammunition during World War II; and after the war attempted to exercise greater product safety control by emphasizing sales of loaded ammunition rather than resuming production of handloading components.<ref>{{cite book | last =Landis | first =Charles S. | title =Twenty-Two Caliber Varmint Rifles | publisher =Small-Arms Technical Publishing Company | date =1947 | location =Harrisburg, Pennsylvania | page =418}}</ref> A common approach to product safety involved offering ammunition safe for use in the oldest or weakest firearm chambered for that cartridge.  Owners of stronger firearms found and experimented with Hodgdon's previously unknown powders to achieve ballistics superior to available factory ammunition for older cartridges like the [[7.92×57mm Mauser]].<ref name="nra">Davis, William C., Jr. ''Handloading'' (1981) National Rifle Association {{ISBN|0-935998-34-9}} pp.33-34&205-206</ref>  Long-range shooters found 4831 was superior to previously available powders for high-capacity bottle-necked cases.<ref>Wooters, John ''Propellant Profiles'' (1982) Wolfe Publishing Company p.111 {{ISBN|0-935632-10-7}}</ref>
-== History of Hodgdon Powder Company ==
-=== Post-War Beginnings: ===
+== History ==
+United States powder manufacturers resumed powder sales of one-pound (454&nbsp;gram) canisters after observing Hodgdon's successful sales to handloaders.  [[DuPont]] resumed retail distribution of their pre-war [[nitrocellulose]] [[Improved Military Rifle (IMR)]] series; and [[Hercules Inc.|Hercules Powder Company]] resumed production of six of their pre-war double-base powders.  Hodgdon Powder Company began using an H-prefix to differentiate powders distributed by Hodgdon from competitors.  Surplus [[Vulcan cannon]] spherical powder was distributed as H870 beginning in 1959.<ref>Hagel, Bob ''Propellant Profiles'' (1982) Wolfe Publishing Company p.109 {{ISBN|0-935632-10-7}}</ref>
-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.
+All of the surplus BL type C had been sold by 1961.  [[Olin Corporation]] had manufactured the powder as 846, and continued production for loading [[7.62×51mm NATO]] cartridges.<ref name="layne"/>  Hodgdon began marketing post-war production as spherical BL-C lot no. 2, or BL-C(2).  Olin began retail distribution of Winchester-Western ball powders for pistol and shotgun loading in 1960; and Winchester-Western rifle ball powders followed in 1968.<ref name="nra"/>  Hodgdon distributed spherical powders HS-5 and HS-6 for shotguns and H110, H335, H380, H414, and H450 for rifles.<ref name="hodgdon">Hodgdon, Bruce ''Hodgdon's Reloading Data Manual no. 21'' (1970) Hodgdon Powder Company</ref>
-=== 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.
+DuPont added IMR 4895 to their retail distribution line in 1962, and added IMR 4831 in 1973 when supplies of surplus H4831 were exhausted.<ref>Harvey, Clay ''Propellant Profiles'' (1982) Wolfe Publishing Company pp.47-48 {{ISBN|0-935632-10-7}}</ref>  Hodgdon then acquired newly manufactured H4831 from [[Nobel Enterprises]] in Scotland.  The Nobel formulations offer similar ballistic performance, but substitute [[centralite]] deterrent coatings for [[dinitrotoluene]] used in United States formulations.<ref name="nra"/>  Handloaders were advised H-prefix powders were not the same as IMR-prefix powders of the same number.<ref name="hagel"/>  Hodgdon distributed H4198 and H4227 similar to IMR powders distributed by DuPont.<ref name="hodgdon"/>
-=== 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.
+==Modern black powder substitutes==
-=== Innovations and Contributions: ===
+Hodgdon's product line includes Pyrodex and Triple Seven, which are modern substitutes for [[black powder]] and intended for use in [[muzzleloader]]s and certain antique firearms. Consequences of [[black powder]]'s easy ignition by sparks or [[static electricity]] make manufacture and storage hazardous.  The sole factory of the United States' largest 20th-century black powder manufacturer was closed by an accidental explosion as 1970 legislation established new regulations discouraging merchants from stocking black powder for sale.  Future historical re-enactments with replica firearms appeared doubtful until Hodgdon introduced [[black powder substitute]] ''Pyrodex'' in 1975 with black powder combustion characteristics and smokeless powder safety.<ref>Waters, Ken ''Propellant Profiles'' (1982) Wolfe Publishing Company pp.75-80 {{ISBN|0-935632-10-7}}</ref>
-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 ==
+{{reflist|colwidth=35em}}
-- Hodgdon Powder Company official website
-- Industry publications and historical records
-- Interviews with company founders and executives
-- The Gunpowder People
 ==External links==