Pryodex, the revolutionary black powder substitute that continues to be one of Hodgdon Powder Company’s most popular products for hunters who head afield with a “smoke pole,” was first introduced at the 1976 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits. Over the past 50 years it has become one of the most trusted and widely used propellants among muzzleloading and black powder shooting enthusiasts. Its versatility across rifles, pistols and shotguns—combined with improved storage stability and reduced fouling—positioned it as a category-defining innovation that continues to influence propellant development today.
“Pyrodex exists because my father, Bob Hodgdon, recognized the potential of Dan Pawlak’s innovation early on and worked closely with him to bring it to market,” said Chris Hodgdon. “Their partnership combined technical ingenuity with a deep understanding of the shooting community—resulting in the most successful and revolutionary black powder substitute ever produced, and a product that has stood the test of time for 50 years.”
The first year it was available the company sold a quarter-million pounds of the powder. In 1996 it hit the market in a different shape. It was a compressed, cylindrically shaped 50-grain form—pellets. It eased reloading chores and the hollow center ensured fast and consistent burn rates. Muzzleloading enthusiasts clamored to take advantage of the convenience.
Today, it is available in multiple powder and pellet forms to meet the needs of modern muzzleloading hunters and shooters, maintaining its reputation for dependable ignition, consistent velocities and ease of use. While the company is celebrating the golden anniversary of one of its most innovative and popular products, it remains squarely focused on advancing propellant technology while honoring the heritage and innovation that defined Pyrodex from the beginning.
Hodgdon Powder was established in 1947 by Bruce and Amy Hodgdon and sons J.B. and Bob. It is now the largest U.S. consumer supplier of smokeless and black powder substitute propellants, including those under the Hodgdon, IMR, Ramshot, Accurate, Winchester, Pyrodex, Triple Seven and Blackhorn 209 brands.
