Hodgdon Powder Company Acquires RCBS Reloading

Hodgdon Powder Company is pleased to announce the acquisition of RCBS Reloading from Revelyst, a segment of Vista Outdoor (NYSE: VSTO). This acquisition is effective May 2, 2024, with Hodgdon prepared to immediately continue shipping RCBS products to wholesale and retail customers. 

“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.”

Hodgdon is thrilled to add the RCBS facility in Oroville, CA to our company-owned facilities in Shawnee, KS, Herington, KS and Miles City, MT. The addition of the RCBS team will more than double the headcount at the Hodgdon Powder Company and greatly expands the company’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.”

About Hodgdon Powder Company, Inc.

Established in 1947 by Bruce and Amy Hodgdon, sons J.B and Bob grew Hodgdon Powder Company into the largest US supplier of smokeless and blackpowder substitute propellants and the top reloading tools brand in RCBS. The company distributes propellants under the Hodgdon®, IMR®, Winchester®, Ramshot®, Accurate®, Pyrodex®, Triple Seven®, Blackhorn 209® and RCBS® brands.

About RCBS

Established by Fred Huntington in 1943, RCBS is dedicated to the craft of handloading ammunition. Started with one simple bullet die, RCBS is now the leading manufacturer of reloading equipment and tools for rifles and pistols - everything from presses, dies, shell holders, powder measurers and priming products. All backed by RCBS’s industry-leading reputation to give our customers a premium handloading experience. 

---