As the crisp November air settles in and hunting season ramps up, there’s nothing more frustrating for a dedicated reloader than staring at an empty powder shelf. If you’re knee-deep in developing loads for your 6.5 Creedmoor or .270 Winchester, you’ve likely felt the sting of the ongoing H4350 shortage. This staple smokeless powder from Hodgdon—known for its temperature stability and precision performance—has been playing hard to get, leaving shooters scrambling. But fear not: in this post, we’ll dive into why H4350 is so scarce right now, what it means for your reloading routine, and—most importantly—where you can still snag some before it vanishes again.
The Roots of the H4350 Crunch: A Perfect Storm of Supply Woes
Hodgdon H4350 isn’t just any powder; it’s an Extreme series extruded propellant that’s been a go-to for decades, thanks to its consistent burn rate and versatility across magnum cartridges with light- to medium-weight bullets. Ideal for everything from the .243 Winchester to the .338 Win Mag, it’s earned its reputation in benchrest competitions and big-game hunts alike. But in 2025, supply chains are still reeling from a cocktail of disruptions that started years ago and haven’t fully shaken off.
The COVID-19 pandemic kicked things off by slamming global manufacturing, from raw nitrocellulose sourcing to packaging lines. Add in geopolitical hiccups—like trade restrictions and shipping delays from key producers—and you’ve got bare shelves. H4350, produced by Australia’s Thales and repackaged by Hodgdon, has been hit extra hard due to export uncertainties and surging demand from both civilian reloaders and military contracts. Reports from mid-2025 highlight how powders like H4350 and Varget are “sometimes hard to find in stock,” with prices jumping from $25–$30 per pound pre-shortage to $45–$60 today. Even as things improved post-pandemic, inconsistent imports from Australia, Canada, and Europe keep the pressure on.
By late 2025, the squeeze is real: conspicuous shortages of H4350 in Hodgdon’s lineup are being felt across the U.S. and Canada, exacerbated by nitrocellulose shortages tied to global conflicts like the Ukraine war. Reloaders on forums are swapping tales of lot-to-lot variations and velocity drops, a side effect of rushed production to meet demand. And with election-year jitters fueling panic buys, what was once a steady supply feels like a game of musical chairs. The result? Frustrated hunters sidelined mid-season and competitive shooters rationing charges.
Why H4350 Matters: Performance You Can’t Fake
If you’re new to reloading, you might wonder what the fuss is about. H4350 shines in precision applications—think sub-MOA groups in your 6.5 Creedmoor at 2,700+ fps with 140-grain bullets. Its shortened grains meter like a dream through progressive presses, and its temp insensitivity means your loads hold steady from frosty dawn hunts to scorching range days. No wonder it’s a staple for WSM calibers (.270, 7mm, .300, .325) and classics like the .270 Win.
But scarcity isn’t just inconvenient; it’s costly. When H4350 dries up, reloaders pivot to alternatives like IMR 4350 or Reloder 16, but they often fall short on consistency or availability. Stockpiling has become the norm—smart folks are grabbing 8-lb jugs when they can—but with hazmat shipping fees and price hikes, it’s a hit to the wallet. https://smokelesspowder.ca/product/hodgdon-h4350-smokeless-gun-powder/
The Good News: H4350 Is Still Out There—Grab It Now
Amid the chaos, relief is at hand. While big-box sites flicker in and out of stock, reliable online retailers are stepping up. One standout is Smokeless Powder Canada, where Hodgdon H4350 is currently available in both 1-lb cans and hefty 8-lb jugs. Priced competitively with straightforward shipping (including hazmat handling), it’s a no-brainer for Canadian and U.S. buyers alike. Head over via this direct link to lock in your supply before the next wave hits—quantities are limited, and at this rate, they won’t last through December.
Other spots like Powder Valley and Graf & Sons have restocks popping up, with 1-lb containers around $58–$63 and 8-lbers pushing $417–$428. Sign up for email alerts to stay ahead of the curve. Pro tip: Bundle with no-hazmat deals on other components to save on fees.
Final Thoughts: Reload Smarter, Not Harder
The H4350 shortage is a reminder that self-sufficiency in reloading means staying vigilant. Whether you’re tweaking loads for elk season or chasing one-hole groups, this powder’s worth the hunt. By sourcing from trusted sites like Smokeless Powder Canada, you can keep your bench humming without the drama. Got your own shortage survival stories? Drop them in the comments—let’s commiserate and share tips.
Stay safe, shoot straight, and happy reloading!
This post was last updated on November 16, 2025. Availability subject to change—always verify stock before ordering.
