Hodgdon Powder Acquires RCBS Reloading

Hodgdon Powder Company purchased RCBS Reloading from Revelyst, a segment of Vista Outdoor, early this month. “This acquisition of RCBS, the leading brand in metallic reloading tools, is a perfect complement to our portfolio of smokeless powder brands for our handloading customers,” said Steve Kehrwald, president and CEO of Hodgdon Powder Company. “With our world-class ballistics labs, we look forward to providing even more load data to our new RCBS customers.”

The move adds RCBS—based in Oroville, Calif.—to facilities Hodgdon already owned in Shawnee, Kan., Herington, Kan., and Miles City, Mont. It also more than doubles the headcount at the Hodgdon Powder Company and greatly expands the firm’s manufacturing capabilities.

“For years, our friends have referred to the Hodgdon family and company as ‘The Gunpowder People’ and this acquisition further demonstrates our dedication to the handloader,” said J.B. Hodgdon, co-owner with his late brother Bob, of the Hodgdon Powder Company. “Our dad Bruce partnered with Fred Huntington from RCBS to conduct Reloading Roadshow events in the 1950s and 1960s. I believe they both are looking down today, proud to have our two great brands together in 2024.”

“For more than 80 years, RCBS has demonstrated their manufacturing, innovation and operational excellence,” said Eric Nyman, co-CEO of Vista Outdoor and CEO of Revelyst. “We are thrilled for RCBS and their new ownership with Hodgdon Powder. This transaction joins two iconic brands, and it ensures that RCBS is positioned for success in the next chapter of its history.”

Hodgdon was established in 1947 by Bruce and Amy Hodgdon. Their sons, J.B. and Bob, subsequently grew the company into the largest U.S. supplier of smokeless and blackpowder substitute propellants. It distributes propellants under the Hodgdon, IMR, Winchester, Ramshot, Accurate, Pyrodex, Triple Seven, Blackhorn 209 and—as of this month—RCBS brands.

Established by Fred Huntington in 1943 with one simple bullet die, RCBS is now one of the industry’s finest and remains dedicated to the craft of handloading ammunition. Today, it’s a leading manufacturer of reloading equipment and tools for rifles and pistols—everything from presses, to dies, shell holders, powder measurers and priming products.