Hodgdon Powders
Hodgdon Powders: In Depth
Hodgdon has been a trusted name in the world of firearms and ammunition since 1947. Based in Shawnee, Kansas, Hodgdon is well-known for producing premium gunpowder and reloading supplies. They offer a wide range of products including smokeless powder, black powder substitutes, and muzzleloading propellants. These products are designed to meet the needs of shooters and hunters who demand reliability and performance.
One of Hodgdon's standout offerings is their extensive line of smokeless powders, which are used in various types of ammunition reloading. This includes powders for rifles , handguns, and shotguns, catering to different calibers and shooting purposes. Their products, such as the popular Hodgdon H4350 and Hodgdon Titegroup, are highly regarded in the shooting community for their consistency and precision.
Hodgdon is also known for their innovative black powder substitutes like Pyrodex and Triple Seven. These products offer cleaner burning and easier cleaning, making them a favorite among muzzleloading enthusiasts. The company’s dedication to research and development ensures that their products remain at the forefront of technology and safety standards.
A significant notable fact about Hodgdon is their commitment to sustainability and safety. They employ rigorous testing and quality control processes to ensure their products perform reliably and safely. Moreover, Hodgdon is family-owned and operated, with a legacy of innovation and customer satisfaction spanning over seven decades.
In summary, Hodgdon stands out as a leading manufacturer of gunpowder and reloading supplies, known for their quality, innovation, and dedication to the shooting community.
Hodgdon Powders History
Hodgdon Powder Company was founded in 1947 by Bruce Hodgdon. It all started when Bruce, a World War II veteran, acquired surplus 4895 powder from the military, which was used in the .30-06 cartridge. Seeing an opportunity, he began selling the powder to shooters and reloaders, establishing the Hodgdon Powder Company in Kansas. This marked the beginning of a significant player in the gunpowder and reloading industry.
The company grew rapidly due to the demand for reliable and affordable powder. Hodgdon's early success was built on selling surplus powders, but as these supplies dwindled, the company shifted focus to developing new products. By the 1960s, they were introducing their own line of powders, including H-335, BL-C(2), and H-4895, which became popular among shooters and reloaders.
In the 1970s, Hodgdon expanded by acquiring IMR (Improved Military Rifle) Powder Company, which further solidified its position in the market. IMR was well-known for its smokeless powders used by military and civilian shooters. This acquisition allowed Hodgdon to offer a more diverse range of powders, enhancing its reputation for quality and reliability.
Hodgdon continued to innovate throughout the years, introducing Pyrodex in the 1970s, a black powder substitute that offered cleaner burning and better performance. This was particularly beneficial for muzzleloaders and black powder cartridge shooters. In the 1990s, Hodgdon introduced Triple Seven, another black powder substitute that provided even cleaner burning and higher energy.
Ownership of the company has remained within the Hodgdon family. Bruce Hodgdon’s sons, J.B. and Bob Hodgdon, played significant roles in the company’s growth and development. Today, Hodgdon Powder Company is still family-owned and operated, with the third generation involved in the business.
Hodgdon's powders are used by military and law enforcement agencies around the world, as well as by competitive shooters and hunters. The company is renowned for its commitment to quality and innovation, consistently developing new products to meet the evolving needs of shooters.
Notable technologies and products developed by Hodgdon include their extreme series powders, which are designed to perform consistently across a wide range of temperatures. This has made them a favorite among competitive shooters who need reliable performance in various conditions.
Hodgdon Products
Smokeless Powders
Use Case: Smokeless powders are used by rifle, handgun, and shotgun shooters for hunting, target shooting, and competitive shooting sports.
Unique Features:
- Rifle: Hodgdon Varget is popular among rifle shooters due to its consistent performance across various calibers. Hodgdon H4350 is great for long-range shooting, offering excellent temperature stability.
- Handgun: Hodgdon H110 is designed for magnum pistol cartridges, delivering high velocity and accuracy. Hodgdon Titegroup is known for its high accuracy and low charge weight in pistols, making it a favorite among competitive shooters.
- Shotgun: Hodgdon Clays is known for its clean-burning properties, making it ideal for light target loads and a favorite among competitive clay shooters. Hodgdon Universal works well in both handgun and shotgun loads, providing clean and consistent burns. Hodgdon Longshot is used for heavy field loads, magnum hunting loads, and pistol cartridges, delivering high velocity and consistent patterns.
Black Powder Substitutes
Use Case: Black powder substitutes are ideal for shooters using traditional rifles and pistols who want easier cleanup and handling.
Unique Features:
- Pyrodex, available in several varieties like P, RS, and Select, burns cleaner than traditional black powder, reducing fouling.
- Triple Seven produces higher velocities with low residue, making it perfect for both inline and flintlock muzzleloaders, offering easy ignition and excellent accuracy.
- Blackhorn 209 is a high-performance black powder substitute that provides superior accuracy, cleaner burning, and easier cleaning, suitable for inline muzzleloaders.
Propellants for Shotshell Reloading
Use Case: Propellants designed specifically for reloading shotgun shells .
Unique Features:
- Hodgdon Shotshell Powders provide consistent patterns and velocities, whether for hunting or competitive shooting. Options like Hodgdon Clays are ideal for light target loads, while Hodgdon Longshot is perfect for heavy field loads and magnum hunting loads.
Propellants for Pistol and Rifle Reloading
Use Case: Propellants designed specifically for reloading pistol and rifle cartridges.
Unique Features:
- Hodgdon Pistol and Rifle Powders offer a variety of options to suit different calibers and shooting purposes. Hodgdon Varget and H4350 are popular for rifle reloading, while Hodgdon H110 and Titegroup are preferred for handgun reloading .
Pyrotechnic and Industrial Powders
Use Case: Powders used for pyrotechnic and industrial applications.
Unique Features:
- Pyrodex Pellets are easy to use and provide consistent performance, making them ideal for pyrotechnic displays and industrial uses where controlled and reliable ignition is crucial.
Performance Shooting Accessories
Use Case: Accessories that enhance the reloading and shooting experience, providing precision and reliability.
Unique Features:
- Data Manuals: Hodgdon's reloading data manuals offer detailed information on powder charges, bullet weights, and velocities for a wide range of calibers, making them essential for creating safe and effective ammunition.
- Reloading Kits: Hodgdon's reloading kits include everything a reloader needs to get started, from powder measures to scales, ensuring precise and consistent reloading.
- Measuring Tools: Hodgdon's measuring tools, such as powder measures and scales, are designed for precise and consistent powder dispensing, ensuring safe and reliable ammunition.
Where are Hodgdon Powders Made?
Corporate Office
Hodgdon’s corporate office is located in Shawnee, Kansas, which coordinates the administrative and strategic operations of the company.
Manufacturing Locations
Hodgdon Powder Plant, Herington, Kansas, USA
The primary manufacturing facility is located in Herington, Kansas . This plant is crucial for the production of Hodgdon’s smokeless powders, such as H4350, Varget, and H4895. The facility boasts advanced technology to maintain high standards of quality and consistency.
IMR Powder Manufacturing, Quebec, Canada
Hodgdon acquired the IMR brand, which produces a variety of powders including IMR 4350, IMR 4064, and IMR 3031. These powders are manufactured at a facility in Valleyfield, Quebec. This plant is known for its stringent quality control measures, ensuring that each batch meets performance standards.
Western Powders, Inc., Miles City, Montana, USA
In 2020, Hodgdon acquired Western Powders, Inc. The facility in Montana continues to operate under Hodgdon's ownership, contributing to the production and distribution of various powder brands like Ramshot and Accurate.
Goex Black Powder Production Closure, Minden, Louisiana, USA
Hodgdon previously operated a facility in Minden, Louisiana , for Goex black powder. However, due to repeated manufacturing incidents and explosions, the plant was closed in 2021.