Hodgdon Load Data

Hodgdon’s growth accelerated through strategic acquisitions. In 2003, it acquired IMR Powder Company, adding the well-known IMR product line to its portfolio. By March 2006, Hodgdon became the official U.S. distributor of Winchester-branded reloading powders. In January 2009, Hodgdon further expanded by acquiring GOEX Powder, Inc., the only manufacturer of black powder in the United States, located in Minden, Louisiana. Together, these brands solidified Hodgdon’s reputation as a leader in the reloading industry.

The company’s origins trace back to World War II, when founder Bruce E. Hodgdon saw an opportunity in surplus military gunpowder. After the war, he began acquiring and reselling surplus smokeless powders to the growing number of American handloaders. In 1946, he purchased 25 tons of government-surplus 4895 powder, commonly used in .30-06 Springfield service ammo, and began packaging and selling it from his home.

By 1947, Hodgdon acquired 80 tons of salvaged .303 British military rifle powder, which he marketed as BL Type C for its cooler burn rate. In 1949, he added powder from Oerlikon 20mm cannon cartridges, initially branded as "4350 Data," and later known as Hodgdon 4831—a powder that remains popular with reloaders today.

Hodgdon's commitment to innovation and reloader support continues to shape the modern ammunition landscape.