FAQ On Hodgdon Powder

• Is Hodgdon still producing powder?

For muzzleloader hunters, this is not the end of the world. There are still a lot of black powder substitutes available on the market. Hodgdon still makes Pyrodex, Triple Seven, and Blackhorn 209, available in both powder and pellet form.

• Is IMR and Hodgdon the same?

In 2003, Hodgdon Powder Company acquired the IMR brand bringing these prestigious powders under the umbrella that also includes Hodgdon, Winchester, Accurate, Ramshot, and more. Any gunpowder required by handloaders can be sourced through these brands.

• Where does Hodgdon powder come from?

Hodgdon Powder Company offices are located at 6430 Vista Drive in Shawnee, Kansas. The Powder magazine, packaging and manufacturing facilities are maintained about 140 miles southwest of the main office, in Herington, Kansas.

• Did Hodgdon buy Alliant?

Hodgdon Powder Company also owns and distributes the GOEX® black powder brand. For 2019, Hodgdon has added Alliant Powder® to the list of smokeless powders and will be distributing this powder to customers. “Powder distribution is our core competency,” said Chris Hodgdon, public and also media relations manager.

• Is Hodgdon International the same as clays?

International is the second in the Clays gunpowder series of powders, bringing this technology to the 20-gauge reloader. It also works in 12-gauge, 2-3/4-inch light, medium and heavy 1-1/8-oz. loads, and high-velocity 1-oz. As with Clays, International is clean-burning and flawless functioning.

• Why is there a powder shortage?

Handloading today has been affected by many factors. A million new gun owners, the political climate and the COVID pandemic have all combined to create shortages of ammunition, bullets, primers and powders.

FAQ On Smokeless Powder

• What is smokeless powder composed of?

All smokeless powders can be placed into one of three different classes according to the chemical composition of their primary energetic ingredients. A single-base powder contains nitrocellulose, whereas a double-base powder contains nitrocellulose and nitroglycerine.

• Is it legal to make smokeless powder?

Smokeless powder generally requires no Federal license or permit, and there are no recordkeeping requirements. However, keep in mind smokeless powder is the explosives material most often used in pipe bombs and other explosive improvised devices.

• Is smokeless powder safe?

Smokeless Powders: Don’t use modern-day smokeless powders in a muzzleloading firearm unless the firearm is designed specifically for its use. Smokeless powders create extremely high pressures and can cause serious injury. Always follow the manufacturers’ recommendations for the powder and your firearm.

• What happens if smokeless powder gets wet?

Unlike in ANFO, or even black powder, the water doesn’t do any harm to smokeless powder. In powder factories, it is routine to process the powder wet, for safety reasons, and dry it only as one of the last steps before packaging.

• Can smokeless powder be shipped?

Smokeless powder is considered a hazardous material and incur hazmat charges. Powder shipments will only be shipped via UPS ground service and also cannot be expedited. Powder shipments are restricted to the continental United States.

• Is smokeless powder more powerful?

There are several advantages of smokeless powder over black powder. First, smokeless powder is about three times as powerful as black powder, which extends its range and also allows for small caliber ammo. As a result, a soldier can carry more rounds and does not need to worry much about smoke giving his position away.