Hodgdon Powder Celebrates 70 Years

by
posted on January 25, 2017
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
hodgdon-lead.jpg

Bruce Hodgdon was a lifelong shooter, hunter and reloader. While he was in the Navy during World War II he custom-loaded ammunition for friends. He continued to do so after the war while working full time as a salesman for the Gas Service Company. During this time Bruce heard that the government had burned huge stocks of surplus powder after World War I because of the lack of market for them, and he figured that the same would be true after hostilities ended in 1945.

In 1947, Bruce and Amy Hodgdon, along with sons JB and Bob, launched Hodgdon Powder—with the first surplus powder being offered after World War II.

null
In 1947 Hodgdon was founded—with the first surplus powder offering after World War II.

“Our father Bruce was drafted into the service during World War II, where he served as an aerial gunnery instructor for the Navy,” said JB Hodgdon. “He used skeet to teach his students about the lead required to hit targets. He couldn’t get enough ammunition to teach skeet but could get components, so my brother Bob and I would help him most nights loading shotshells so he could teach class the next day.”

Even though the fledgling company did not know if enough shooters would gamble to purchase unknown types of propellant, Bruce cut through government red tape and soon owned 50,000 pounds of government surplus 4895.

“After the war, Dad was instrumental in convincing the government to sell him surplus 4895 and he brought it to market in 1947 as Hodgdon H4895,” added Bob Hodgdon. “Our first ad selling surplus powder appeared in American Rifleman magazine in November 1947.”

Over the last 70 years the Hodgdon Powder Company has grown—acquiring the IMR and Goex brands, as well as licensing the Winchester Smokeless Propellants brand.

Latest

Uspsa App 2025 1
Uspsa App 2025 1

USPSA Launches Unified App for USPSA and Steel Challenge Shooters

All-in-one USPSA app combines USPSA & Steel Challenge tools with a modern interface, optimized for shooters and ready for future features

U.S. Shotgun Team Reigns Supreme in 2025 International Season

Team USA’s shotgun athletes have captured 34 international medals in 2025, showcasing excellence from Olympic legends to junior stars

Review: Springfield Armory SAINT Victor 5.56 Rifle

Springfield Armory’s SAINT Victor 5.56 is loaded with enhancements that make it a strong contender as an all-purpose, AR-style rifle

Remington’s .22 Short Rimfire Ammo is Back

Remington brings back the .22 Short rimfire with updated loads for plinking, pest control and beginner training.

SK Customs Unveils ‘Kingdom of Atzlán’ Colt 1911 Series Honoring Aztec Heritage

SK Customs’ new .38 Super Colt 1911 handgun series blends Aztec mythology with handcrafted firearm artistry

Drew Cup Selection: U.S. Juniors Set Sights on Prestigious International Smallbore Showdown

The 2025 Drew Cup brings elite international smallbore competition to U.S. soil, where junior shooters compete for national pride via a postal qualifier

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.