Major News — Hodgdon Acquires RCBS from Vista Outdoor

Here is big news for reloaders. RCBS, one of the leading producers of dies, reloading gear, case prep tools, powder dispensers, and reloading presses, has been acquired by Hodgdon Powder Company. RCBS has been operated by Revelyst, a division of of Vista Outdoor (VSTO). (SEE Revelyst Report on Yahoo Finance.) Here is the text from the official press release announcing the acquisition:

Hodgdon Powder Company Acquires RCBS Reloading
May 02, 2024
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.”

Comment from Vista Outdoor/Revelyst
“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.”

Hodgdon sent a letter today to its customers. In the letter, Hodgdon Sales V.P. Shawn Kelley states: “Hodgon Powder Company announced earlier this morning that we acquired RCBS from Vista Outdoor, effective immediately.” Shown above is the letter sent to customers.