The Gunpowder People

(20 reviews) Write a Review
$9.99
SKU:
HPCBK
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Type:
Books & Manuals
Group:
Official Gear

Product Overview

The Gunpowder People is the story of Hodgdon Powder Company and the Hodgdon family. Born in 1910, founder Bruce “B.E” Hodgdon launched Hodgdon Powder Co. after serving in the military in World War II. Hearing how the U.S. government scrapped surplus gunpowder by the shipload after World War I, Hodgdon took out a loan against a life insurance policy in order to buy surplus 4895 gunpowder in 1947. With an ad in American Rifleman in January 1948, Hodgdon was selling powder to the handloading public.

Along with wife Amy and sons J.B. and Bob, Hodgdon built Hodgdon Powder Co. in Shawnee, Kansas into the quintessential American success story. Sons J.B. and Bob (and a long list of passionate Hodgdon employees) grew the company further, establishing Pyrodex in 1976, purchasing competitor IMR in 2003, licensing Winchester Powder in 2005 and purchasing Goex Blackpowder in 2009.

While the history of Hodgdon Powder Co. and the Hodgdon family is still being written, this book covers the first seventy years of the Hodgdon story and what the company and the family have accomplished. This quality “coffee table” hardback book features both color and black & white images and is nearly 200 pages.

Length: 199 pages

Dimensions: 8.75”High x 11.25” Wide

Publisher: Bang Printing (Brainerd, MN)

Publication Date: September 1, 2017

ISBN: 978-0-89103-2

Reviews

(20 reviews) Write a Review

20 Reviews

  • 5
    Great book.

    Posted by Evan on Jan 24th 2025

    Hodgdon has a rich history and I've learned a lot I didn't know about the company from this book.

  • 4
    Learns a lot of how the business was stated and the powder industry itself

    Posted by Dennis Ford on Jan 24th 2025

    I liked it learned something’s I didn’t know

  • 5
    The Gunpowder People

    Posted by Ron A Avery on Jan 23rd 2025

    Fascinating history of a group of true believers! As a small time reloader, I had no understanding of the Hodgdon history and I found it to be very enjoyable reading. Hunters, shooters and reloaders owe a huge thanks to the Hodgdons and their peers for the products we enjoy today.

  • 5
    Hodgdon History Book

    Posted by W R Essman on Jan 18th 2025

    This is a nice hard bound coffee table type book that outlines the history of the Hodgdon Powder Co. I found it very interesting.

  • 5
    T-Shirts

    Posted by Ted on Jan 17th 2025

    Very good quality and runs true to size. Should have bought more!

  • 5
    The Gunpowder People

    Posted by Steve on Jan 16th 2025

    Excellent book! I could not put it down.

  • 5
    The Gun Powder People / Book

    Posted by Alpha Echo Tango Ammunition LLC / Tim Sauer on Jan 16th 2025

    I’m half way through this book. I am truly enjoying it and getting to know the Hodgdon family, employees, etc…. I highly recommend this.

  • 5
    Book - The Gunpowder People

    Posted by Rob Rickard on Jan 13th 2025

    What a great and informative book. I am only about half way through but it has already been an informative and fun read!

  • 5
    Book Review

    Posted by Jack on Jan 13th 2025

    I've been reloading for 55 years. Great book, it's nice to learn the backstory.

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