It’s not the end of the world, but I can see it from here. Hodgdon Powder Inc. has announced that, effective immediately, it will cease all manufacturing at their Camp Minden, Louisiana plant.
For those of you few decent, God fearing Americans left among us, you know that plant as the facility currently manufacturing the GOEX and Olde Eynsford brands of black powder.
From the Hodgdon Press release:
Effective immediately, Hodgdon Powder Company, Inc. has made the decision to cease manufacturing operations at the company’s Camp Minden, Louisiana site while evaluating strategic options for the black powder business.
The business will wind down operations while an evaluation process on the future of the black powder business takes place. Strategic options for the GOEX and Olde Eynsford brands of black powder, along with the manufacturing capabilities, will include a potential sale of the business. All affected employees will be retained through December 31, 2021 to assist in an orderly closing of the site and receive severance commensurate with their years of service to the company.
The Hodgdon Powder Co., Inc has been honored to have been a part of the GOEX Powder legacy and sustains a fond appreciation for sporting customers who have enjoyed shooting GOEX powders.
This closure effectively ends commercial black powder manufacturing in the United States of America.
My first Blackbuck antelope was taken with a Traditions flintlock and GOEX powder. There’s just some kind of nostalgia in that boom, that smell, and that smoke.
And for some of us, some guns only get black powder. GOEX powder went in my original 1849 pocket when it was first made, and it still does today. GOEX has been a safe and reliable powder in America’s first successful concealed carry revolver since Colt made it.
Hodgon’s press release states it will be evaluating the future of the black powder business and may consider selling the brands.
Let’s hope someone jumps in on that business. There are many substitutes for black powder, but there’s really no substitute for black powder. My fellow Rendezvous enthusiasts and cowboy action shooters know what I mean.
