All About Hodgdon Powder Company

by
posted on October 6, 2018
** 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. **
hodgdon2.jpg

Bruce Hodgdon was an avid reloader, competitive rifle and trap shooter, hunter, NRA Benefactor and World War II veteran. His start in the firearms industry came from custom loading ammunition for friends before deciding to turn his passion into business, with an initial purchase of 50,000 pounds of government surplus 4895 gunpowder. His first ad was placed in American Rifleman and, with the help of his young sons J.B. and Bob, shipments of his product were sent out in metal cans with hand-glued labels.

Bruce Hodgdon
Bruce Hodgdon

Before long the family business began to flourish, with the boys continually dropping off shipments at the train station before school, and with Amy, Bruce's wife, acting as bookkeeper and saleswoman. Bruce resigned from his full-time sales position and in 1952 officially started B.E. Hodgdon, Inc. After graduating from college, J.B. and Bob joined the company full time and the business soon spread nationwide.

At first, the company sold reloading components, tools, firearms and ammunition. Eventually the wholesale firearms and powder business was split to cut down confusion for both the customers and staff, and in 1966 Hodgdon Powder Company was born.

Among his many accomplishments, Bruce was a part of a team that influenced the International Code Council to downgrade certain packages of smokeless powder into easier-to-ship classifications. And in 1967, he helped build what was then the largest indoor shooting range in Kansas.

Before he passed away in 1997, Bruce was honored for his contributions to the shooting sports with the Shooting Academy Award of Excellence. His sons, also sharing his love for the shooting sports, continued to expand their contributions to the sport after taking over the family business. Bob was a founding member of the National Shooting Sports Foundation in 1979 and J.B. became active in promoting the shooting sports to youngsters through Boy Scouts of America and NRA's Youth Hunter Education Program.

Hodgdon Varget
Hodgdon's Varget powder is popular with competitive shooters


In 2003, Hodgdon purchased IMR Powder Company, and still continues to produce the company's original H4895 powder. In 2009, the company acquired Goex, a black powder brand popular with muzzle loaders. Today, it's still the satisfaction of its customers that drives Hodgdon Powder's success. Employees share the same enthusiasm that Bruce had for the shooting industry. They are award winning skeet, trap and sporting clays shooters, competitive pistol, rifle and shotgun shooters, state and national winning muzzle loading competitors, cowboy action shooters and hunters.

Chris Hodgdon, Bruce's grandson, said another key to success are the company's employees who believe in the value of its product.

"Nearly all of our team members are passionate about shooting, hunting and reloading. Also, many are NRA members."

Last year, Hodgdon celebrated their 70th anniversary. For more information about Hodgdon Powder Company, please visit www.hodgdon.com, or call (913) 362-9455.

Latest

CMP Buynow 1
CMP Buynow 1

CMP Streamlines Legacy M1 Garand Sales With Easy ‘Buy Now’ Feature

CMP’s new fixed-price “Buy Now” system makes it easier than ever to own a legacy, non-reclaimed M1 Garand rifle.

Watchtower Firearms, Demolition Ranch Team Up For Limited-Edition DEMOLITIA Blackout 1911

Watchtower Firearms releases limited-edition double-stack 1911 chambered in 9 mm designed with input from Demolition Ranch.

Federal Ammunition Honored With National 4-H Shooting Sports Pioneer Award

Federal Ammunition receives 2025 4-H Shooting Sports Pioneer Award for over 40 years of support for youth programs.

New: Smith & Wesson M&P 15 AXE Rifles

Smith & Wesson launches the M&P 15 AXE lineup of suppressor-ready rifles with reduced gas blowback and modern features.

Review: Savage Arms Mark II & Winchester’s .21 Sharp

As demonstrated in the Savage Mark II FV-SR, Winchester’s .21 Sharp cartridge offers higher velocity and greater precision than .22 Long Rifle rounds.

Marsh Edges Stine In Canadian Showdown To Win Lapua Monarch Cup Opener

Justin Marsh edges Jake Stine by one point to win the Canadian NRA Smallbore Silhouette Nationals and first stage of the 2025 Lapua Monarch Cup.

Interests



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