Hodgdon doesn't manufacture any powders, so they can't really have a monopoly. Strictly speaking, there's nothing stopping people from getting into the game... you just need the facilities to safely bottle canister powders.
This acquisition makes me sad. I hope they don't ruin them.
Here is the official announcement:
https://hodgdon.com/hodgdon-acquisitions/
Hodgdon doesn't manufacture any powders, so they can't really have a monopoly. Strictly speaking, there's nothing stopping people from getting into the game... you just need the facilities to safely bottle canister powders.
Hodgdon now owns Ramshot, Alliant, and Blackhorn 209 brands
Hodgdon hasn't ruined any powders yet.
Western Powders was more than just the powders themselves. They had superb customer service and excellent load data. I don't place Hodgdon at that same level, which is probably why Hodgdon went shopping in the first place. That is what I am concerned about.
Ramshot being ballsy enough to list the 5.56 (62k psi) load data for bullets I actually use (55gr FMJ, 77gr SMKs) convinced me to switch to TAC. You can kinda figure out for other powders by looking at listed pressures and messing with QL or GRTools, but I like the certainty of having a manufacturer backing their data.Bingo. The FREE western powders load manual they update and publish online is awesome.
Western Powders was more than just the powders themselves. They had superb customer service and excellent load data. I don't place Hodgdon at that same level, which is probably why Hodgdon went shopping in the first place. That is what I am concerned about.
Hogdon doesn't * own * Winchester powders , but they do have the exclusive distribution rights .