Hodgdon Powder Shortgage

[greatwhite]

My deer hunting partner GF works for the General Dynamics in Valleyfield, QC and also manufactures H4895 there but right now she says they are busy all out making ammo and powder and other things for the Military.

https://hodgdon.com/powder-shortage-statement/

Powder Shortage Statement


Why can’t I find Hodgdon powders like H4350, Varget, Retumbo and H1000?
As you have seen, Hodgdon powders, especially rifle powders for long-range and precision shooting, can be difficult to find. Dealer shelves that were formerly filled with cans of powder now have empty spots. Here are answers to your questions straight from Hodgdon.


Q: Is Hodgdon still making powder?
A: Yes, we continue shipping powder as quickly as possible. In fact, we will ship more powder in 2020 than last year. The real problem behind empty dealer shelves is complicated, but is related to shifting supply and demand challenges. As supply decreased in 2019, demand only increased. No one wants to ship more powder than Hodgdon.


Q: What is causing the supply challenges?
A: Quite simply, our manufacturing facilities have not kept up with our orders. Additionally, military contracts began specifying Hodgdon powders in the last few years for military ammunition, impacting our supply. With expanded government regulation, shipping explosive and energetic materials has become more challenging, which also impacts available supply. Lastly, rapidly changing consumer preferences for different powder types has impacted both demand and supply. We worked with all Hodgdon providers to resolve open issues and expect powder supply to improve in 2020 as a result.


Q: Is Hodgdon still in business?
A: Yes, Hodgdon has been in business (and family owned) for over 70 years. We are here for the long haul and are doing everything we can to supply our powders to handloaders. Dealer shelves are empty because powder is purchased as soon as it arrives at the dealer’s stores but we will continue to ship more in 2020.


Q: Is the shortage of reloading powder being caused by Hodgdon shipping their powder to the ammunition manufacturing companies?
A: While Hodgdon does sell powder to ammunition manufacturing companies, more than 80% of our powder is sold to our core market – handloaders just like you. Hodgdon has always been committed to the individual handloader.


Q: When will I start to see more powder on dealer shelves?
A: While Hodgdon will continue to ship powder as rapidly as possible, we have a significant backlog in demand. Some powders will be in stock more quickly, but we believe it will take much of 2020 to improve availability for all powders.


Q: I have seen/heard many rumors and conjecture on powder shortages with Hodgdon Powder.
A: If you do not hear it directly from Hodgdon Powder Company, please be skeptical.

[Kilo Charlie]

Apparently they will no longer be manufacturing their GOEX black powder. That sucks for flintlock shooters.

[MikePal]

Apparently they will no longer be manufacturing their GOEX black powder. That sucks for flintlock shooters.

All we can hope for, is that a European company sees enough of a market in North America to buy the Goex license from Hodgdon or build their own facility here.

[rick_iles]

We’ve been on a waiting list for a keg of Varget for almost two years….

[diverduck]

I stumbled on a quantity of varget in the spring and bought all I could get my hands on. I am running lowish on 4350 though and that’s been a challenge to find at the moment.

[line052]

Start making your own. I do performs the same as FF/FFF, except dirtier. My formula and process creates the same as FFF when using 250gr R.E.A.L. bullets (cast), and .490 patched round ball. The issue I continue to have is the REAL bullets do not perform as well as round ball (Patched). So next smelting and casting session I will melt down all the REAL and turn into round ball. I shoot a Hawkens .50 (1972 kit build), which still uses #11 cap and hammer.

Apparently they will no longer be manufacturing their GOEX black powder. That sucks for flintlock shooters.

[line052]

I got 3pds recently of Varget and 3 pds of CFE 223, plus 3000 X .223 brass from guy who gave up...$400, he also threw in half can of 4166 and 30-31

I stumbled on a quantity of varget in the spring and bought all I could get my hands on. I am running lowish on 4350 though and that’s been a challenge to find at the moment.

[Fox]

All we can hope for, is that a European company sees enough of a market in North America to buy the Goex license from Hodgdon or build their own facility here.

I spoke with the guys at Shooters Choice in Waterloo when I was down for the shotgun hunt, they said that they are on the waiting list for Swiss powder. It seems as though it is not just as easy as buying it from the importer.

[overtheir]

Yes powder and componets are hard to find

[diverduck]

I got 3pds recently of Varget and 3 pds of CFE 223, plus 3000 X .223 brass from guy who gave up...$400, he also threw in half can of 4166 and 30-31

Good deal. Guy has 3 pounds of 4350 on CGN. His price is fair but when he ran the shipping it was $120. $60 to ship and $60 hazmat fee…. Crazy!