Hodgdon Powder Company Acquires RCBS Reloading

Hodgdon Powder Company has acquired RCBS Reloading from Revelyst, a segment of Vista Outdoor. “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,” says 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 will add the RCBS facility in Oroville, California, to its company-owned facilities in Kansas and Montana. 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,” says 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,” says 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.”

“Selling RCBS allows us to raise cash to create a more dynamic portfolio for our company’s future,” says Andy Keegan, CFO of Revelyst. “Revelyst will use proceeds from the sale to enhance the operational efficiencies of the company’s power brands, evaluate bolt-on acquisitions, and invest in maker-fueled innovation and organic growth.”

Revelyst received interest from multiple parties looking to acquire RCBS, whose strong culture, 80-year history, value proposition in the market, and alignment with the existing Hodgdon portfolio makes this transaction the best path forward for the brand.

“As part of Hodgdon, RCBS is positioned for growth with a company whose deep history in ammunition components, domestic manufacturing, and reputation with core shooting sports enthusiasts will help RCBS flourish,” says Kehrwald. “Under Hodgdon’s ownership, RCBS can continue its operational excellence, growth, and scale across the shooting sports industry.” (hodgdonpowderco.com)