Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Canada Small arms ammunition produced in Canada

The short of it is that IVI ammunition was a company, formed in WWII, to produce small arms ammunition and explosives for the Canadian military. It was a Canadian Crown corporation that operated for close to 40 years until it was purchased in early 2007 by General Dynamics. Since then, the US has owned our small arms ammunition production.

I was in Borden teaching armament at that time. When the announcement was made, you could have heard a pin drop. We were stunned that Canada would no longer have ownership of its SA ammunition production.

Anyone who has spent time in the Canadian military will recognise the IVI headstamp. Here is a 5.56 headstamp. Also, the two 303 British headstamps on the right. The 303 headstamps represent two different loads. Until a few years ago, most of the 303 ammunition went to the Cdn Rangers.

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The 303 headstamp on the left is used with 180 gr soft point hunting ammunition. As far as I know, it is still offered by General Dynamics for sale. The one on the right is traditionally stamped, showing the year of manufacture (97) and the Mk of the load. In this case, it is Mk 8z. 8z ammunition has changed over the years. It was originally machine gun ammunition, said to burn out rifle barrels. Well, that was 80 years ago. Canadian made 8z has always been 175 grain BT ammunition made with a double base powder (not Cordite). Despite what you read on the Web, Cdn 8z doesn't burn out barrels.

One other difference between the two 303 rounds is the lack of a crimp on the 180 gr. SP ammunition. Here is the crimp from the 8z cartridge.



Of interest, X Reload - x-reload.com - is located in Beloeil, Quebec. Beloeil was Canada's original Cordite plant, founded in 1910. In WWI, production expanded to Nobel, ON, just north of Parry Sound. In Canada, 303 British and other ammunition has not used Cordite or corrosive primers since the start of WWII.

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Edited to add: At my website, I am asked, "I was told Hodgdon owns IMR Powder Co. If General Dynamics owns the Valleyfield powder plant in Quebec where IMR powders are made, then doesn't GD actually own it?"

Yes and no. Yes, General Dynamics owns the Valleyfield plant and manufactures the powder. It is sold to to Hodgdon, who owns the IMR name. So, Hodgdon is a reseller.

From the Genenal Dynamics website:

Being the established manufacturer of the legendary IMR powders™ for more than 30 years, GD OTS-Canada Valleyfield has gained substantial expertise in hunting and sporting applications including rifle, shotguns, pistols and muzzleloaders.

Extensive capabilities developed over several decades of operation have enabled the expansion of our product offering to a very wide range of applications such as rocket motors, igniters, high explosives fills and gas generants for civilian and military customers.

GD OTS-Canada Valleyfield ‘s production facility manufactures a complete line of single, double and triple base propellants for military and sporting applications, as well as a wide range of specialty products including high explosives fills, rocket propulsion ignition systems and gas generants.

https://www.gd-otscanada.com/product/energetic-materials/

When I think Canadian ammunition “ I think CIL. Back in the early sixties they brought plastic-tipped bullets on the market but, if I recall correctly (always questionable) it was to protect the tip of the bullet from recoil damage in the magazine. A friend and I were wandering the streets of Brockville one evening when we stopped in a sporting goods store where they had some in th counter. The guy behind the counter was kind enough to get a box out and let us examine this amazing new innovation in ammunition. I think they were.30-06. As I recall, it was all round nosed stuff at that time, no attempt to improve ballistics, and the plastic tips were white.

Those were called Sabre Tips. One of a few innovations that were slightly ahead of their time. The rest of the world caught on about 20 years later. Now, it seems that everyone is using polymer tipped bullets. We also had Kling Kor ammunition, which were bullet jackets crimped to the cores.

The first picture is a RN Kling Kor. The second, Sabre Tips. The third another Kling Kor.







Imperial was the last name used for civilian ammunition in Canada. The company folded in the mid 1980s. That's when we saw a lot more US product to make up for the loss of Imperial. The last Imperial ammunition I bought was 22LR.

I almost think I have some Imperial.22 HP ammo.

. You probably do. They packaged 22 LR ammunition in plastic boxes with gold paper labels at the end .

Steve;
Top of the morning to you sir, I hope the day's not too cold or snowy out east and you're all keeping warm, well and dry.

Thanks for the thread, it's interesting to see where Dominion and Imperial ammo has ended up for sure.

Here's a bit of a smattering of .22 ammo boxes from the late '20's or early '30's forward to the end of their production.



The center fire boxes are all mostly the older ones, though a couple look to be the same vintage as one of yours.



While I did have a chap let me know how to read the date codes on the boxes, I'll admit to not having taken the time to do so yet so my dates are an educated guess.

All the best to you all this weekend Steve.

Dwayne

The ammunition they produced in the 1980s had the shiny gold and black packaging. I grabbed a box of 180 gr KKSP off the shelf for another photo op.

This box is beat up from carrying it in my small pack, but you can still see the shiny exterior. These were the round nose KKSPs that were very popular once upon a time. I don't remember seeing Remington or Winchester at the hardware store. It was all Dominion/Imperial stuff, including shotgun ammunition. Like a lot of people, I bought Imperial ammunition at the gun shop, or at Crappy Tire, if there was a sale.

I believe that RNs are still a good choice for brush hunting. And while some may not believe that, they have worked for over a hundred years in the 30-30 and a few others.



This is the Imperial headstamp.



Here's a better picture of the bullet.



This last picture is the packing that was used the last few years before Imperial ceased production. At the time, it was the only rimfire maker that used plastic boxes. If you look closely, you can see the Valcartier Industries name on the box.

I wasn’t clear enough. .22 HP. meaning .22 Savage High Power.

That's neat. Do you still shoot that cartridge?

Interesting!

My dad had Imperial 22 lr ammo. He had it for 60? yrs. I still think I have a few . I used one a few years ago to shoot a coon in a trap . It didnt seem very loud at all, but it killed the coon anyway. I figured it didnt have much power left after 60 yrs.

It was odd when Imperial stopped selling ammunition. There wasn't any big announcement. They just stopped. In the 1980s and before, you used to see a lot of Imperial/Dominion/IVI ammunition on the US side of the border. It was probably guys coming into Canada that picked up some ammunition while they were here. I never did ask anyone who lived just over the border if there was any for sale in the stores there.

Steve, I lived just over the border…within sight of Brockville, ON. I think I bought the aforementioned Imperial ammo at The Sports Mart in Ogdensburg (right across The River from Prescott, ON.) I wouldn’t say it was everywhere, but it was not uncommon, especially in the less mainstream cartridges. Of course, the border was a lot friendlier place in those days.

To answer your question about whether I use the .22 HP anymore, I play with it. I make .22 HP brass from.30-30. I try different bullets. I haven’t done anything with it in several years.

22 Savage HiPower ammunition hasn’t been manufactured in quite some time. European 5.6x52R is close but most find the bullet too long to stabilize in the Savage 1899’s rate of twist. Some guns will stabilize it decently enough, mine does not. I use cast bullets sized to .228”.

When I duck hunted in the early ‘80’s we used Imperial 12 gauge shotshells almost exclusively, #5 and #6 shot. They had high brass and dark blue plastic. The sight of them still brings back fond memories of those early morning hunts.

Nick

It makes sense that CIL ammunition would be available that close to the border. Like you say, the border was a lot friendlier back then.



I never duck hunted, but I used to get inexpensive upland No 6 shot. I would buy a couple of boxes to do me for a couple of years. Do you know who makes the Canadian Tire budget shells?

Edited to add: https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/search-results.html?q=imperial%20shells

They have these listed at Canadian Tire. None in stock, but the reviews are saying that they are available again. Maybe IVI is testing the waters.

I have no idea who manufactures Canadian Tire ammunition. I haven’t bought any ammunition from them in years, I now reload for everything, rifle and shotgun.

I still have some full boxes of Imperial 22LR ammunition. Can’t bring myself to breaking that seal and shooting them. We shot a lot of them as kids in an old Cooey single shot. Iron sights only.

Nick

I just added a picture to my post. Imperial ammunition seems to be available again. Seasonally, I expect.

Same box as in the early ‘80s. The maple leaf on the upper left corner of the box suggests it is made in Canada.

Nick

Yes. For shotgun ammunition anyway, it looks like they are selling to the public again.

I can’t find much online about the new Imperial shotshells other than sales promotion. Some threads say that they are assembled in Canada from imported components but there is very little about who is doing it. One source said it was Challenger and that they were licensed to use the Imperial trademark. This may be only speculation as I couldn’t find any other supporting information. A few reviews stated that the steel loads were very good. I haven’t purchased or shot any.

Nick

Challenger may be the source. I’d like to get my hands on a box for a better look.

Pops had this Imperial Ammo in the cabinet back in the 80’s. I remember him being fond of it.

I believe that Canadian Tire may have picked up the right to use that name, among many others in recent years.

Jim

I fired off an email to Challenger asking if they are making them. Hopefully, I will get a response.

Kinda wish I had saved a box of the old Whiz Bang 22 ammo I had when i was a kid. Not sure who made that.

They were made by CIL. Some places sold them for a little bit more than regular 22s.

excerpt from Sweeps General Store

“Whew! The new 22 ‘Whiz Bangs’ are in! Holy! 49 cents a box...” And Mike’s face dropped. I could sympathize. Geez, 49 cents for a box of rimfire cartridges! Who could afford that?

Back in those days, you could feed your 22 Cooey for 39 cents a box of fifty. Being kids though, we rarely had 39 cents. But Old Man Sweep was a businessman and would sell them one cartridge at a time for one cent each. High style at five for a nickel!

You often see 22 Whiz-Bang ammunition for sale at online Canadian firearms and ammunitions auctions. If the gun shows ever start again I’m sure you could find some there as well. I often wondered why they were called Whiz-Bang. Do they have an unusual sound or is it just marketing hype?

Nick

It was just a name. I know that they haven't been made for years, but you do see them a lot at gun shows. A box in excellent condition was selling for $15+ dollars. Guys used to sell empty boxes for $2. Collectibles.

When the shows are going full bore again, if you collect old ammunition, vintage reloading equipment, old presses, etc. it would be good to go. The vendors have had a while to find a lot of goodies.

Steve;
Top of the morning to you sir, I hope that you're getting weather you need out east and you're all well.

Since you twigged my memory on this thread, I took an hour and tried to get some photos from the collection to add here.

These are made in Canada for Gevelot, but I don't know where.



Fairly old Dominion stuff. I believe pre WWII. Interesting that these are full boxes in this case.



Think this is pre WWII as well - 6.5x54 - partial box.



Garden variety Dominion from pre 1969. Note the price!!! Anyone know where the store might be?



Full box of 150gr SabreTip from that pre '69 era. Note black plastic tip on these.



Box only from that era - .30-30 170gr KKSP - note the price again is $4.80. Can't make out the store.



Early Imperial - the cardboard shell holders are black though, some were white and slightly different. Note the bright yellow SabreTip.



Lastly these are box and yellow plastic cartridge holders only - ammo is reloads. Note price from Can Tire is $12.59. Think this is likely from the early '90's???



Hopefully you or someone enjoys seeing this sort of thing.

All the best and God bless.

Dwayne

I saw some in the Canadian Tire in Medicine Hat a few weeks ago.
They have been carrying it here for a year or so. I should buy a box and give it a try this Fall.
Jeff

BC30cal, Gevelot ammunition was assembled in Saskatoon from imported components. Most likely the components were from European sources. I have 6.5x55 cases from them and they appear to be of decent quality.

Nick

Nick1899;
Top of the morning to you sir, I trust that other than the political turmoil we're encountering you all had a decent week.

Thanks so much for that tidbit, I didn't know that at all!

As I've mentioned I grew up about 4 hours south of Saskatoon and had family go there to the university so we'd get up there often enough.

While I can't be sure it was this model, I believe I recall family that had one of these too, which must be related to Gevelot?



Honestly I just recall the trigger being really stiff on it, but otherwise I don't recall many details whatsoever of it.

Thanks again and all the best to you all this weekend.

Dwayne

troutfly;
Top of the morning to you Jeff, I hope that again despite our political situation you're all well as can be.

Last fall for the first time in 30 odd years a buddy and I decided to go duck hunting again, so that meant I was using a single shot made in Turkey 12guage I'd picked up "just in case I needed to shoot steel shot" awhile back. The ammo I got was the stuff pictured, that is Imperial #4 Steel.

Alas no ducks were shot at, much less shot, though I must admit that the last words my better half said to me as I left were, "Have fun today, but make sure you donate all the ducks to buddy...."

For years out here we couldn't find Rottweil Brenneke slugs for our "serious social recalcitrant bruin interaction devices", so I'd done some digging and found these which were sold then at Can Tire too.


They're put together in Quebec using the Italian Gualandi slugs which are very hard lead with the wad affixed to the slug much like the Brenneke is.

For practice drills I've found a couple weights of Score slugs made in Carbury, MB and they work fine. It was lucky I picked up a few boxes when Wholesale was still in business up in Westbank, but they're still available with a couple of the big online places I see. Not sure on availability.

Anyways that's a couple more Canadian ammo makers for our list.

All the best to you all out there Jeff.

Dwayne

I’m going to keep an eye out for some as the season approaches, Jeff. I just use 20 ga for rabbits and birds. If there is a sale, I would buy a few boxes to do me for a few years.

I have some Federal Upland No. 6 left, but should restock.

Hi Dwayne,
All is well for the most part outside the political BS we are fighting. seems like a never ending fight every time the Libs are in power, this time with a coalition from Hell of the Lib/NDP.
I'll be picking up a box of the new Imperial stuff as well as some Challenger shells before the season opens. I was lucky a number of years ago and managed to acquire a good number of cases of Black Cloud shells in various waterfowl loads when Wholesale was closing. My waterfowl gun really likes the stuff so I'm "happy, happy, happy". As well, I have a case of Rio BB that I'm working with.
I must say, I'm somewhat impressed with the ammo supply in several Alberta CT stores I have been in lately. Even the prices, while high, haven't been prohibitive, yet. On the other hand, I was in Cabelas in Edmonton a few days ago, prices there terrified me. The same 22-250 Hornady stuff I can buy at CT, was $15.00 higher at Cabelas. Needless to say, I left w/o purchasing any ammo there. Fortunately, on my way back home, I found some affordable Federal 300 Win Mag at a Walmart, I grabbed a couple boxes.....
I haven't fired slugs in a number of years, I sold my slug gun to a friend when I realized it was collecting dust.
It is reassuring to see Canadian made ammunition avail again. Hopefully they can remain viable businesses.
Have a great weekend,
Jeff

Hi Steve,
This is a cool thread, some pics of ammo I had forgotten existed. Wish I still had some of them.
I haven't seen any Imperial 20g loads around here. If you find any, I would snag it for sure.
I have gone the Bismuth route in my 20g, Kent in particular. My Silver Pigeon loves that stuff.
I also have some Kent Bismuth in 12 and 16g which I run through my SKB and Rizzini respectively.
Anything 16g is hard to come by these days though.
Have a great weekend,
Jeff

I have several boxes of those Challengers in 12 ga. as a backup for any wounded bears that might make it into thick bush or swampy areas. From my 24" bolt-action (Polychoke) they were plenty accurate and registered 1620 fps. From my 18.5" pump about 1550 fps. They produce plenty of recoil from a light shotgun, and I expect would be bad news for any black bruin. I've not yet had to use them on bear but in media they were impressive. It's a very good product.

And thanks to Steve for this thread.

Bob
www.bigbores.ca

CZ550;
Good morning to you sir, I trust that you're all well and getting the weather you need on this first Sunday of the 6th month of the year.

Thanks for the chronograph numbers on the Challengers, it's interesting data that I've meant to do and just haven't for whatever reason.

You mentioned that they produce plenty of recoil and my goodness I can only say a hearty AMEN as I wince a wee bit.

My main "bear/camping" gun for decades was a Lakefield Mossberg pump gun which I bought used when I was 14 if I'm not wrong. For bear/camping duty it's running an 18.75" barrel and since they're reasonably heavy it's what I practice with.

A few years back when I was ordering some bits, pieces and parts from S&J Hardware in Belleville, ON, they were clearing out old stock Uzkon pumps at a screaming deal which I could not resist.

Long story short it's now my meat packing shotgun as it's at least a pound lighter than the Lakefield and with the 14" barrel is that much less in the way when I'm negotiating the shin tangle.

That said, I've only shot it enough with the Challengers to ensure function. Holy denture rattlers!!!

The media tests you've done match what I've read too and give me confidence that they'll do the job if need be.

All the best and thanks again.

Dwayne

Hi Jeff. Long time, no hear. I hope you're well. I think forgetting about brands that we used to buy like food, tools, and ammunition might be a function of age. I have a few boxes of this. It was budget line shotgun ammunition sold by Cdn Tire. It was made by Winchester.

Simpson-Sears and Eatons had store lines of shotgun ammunition too, as I recall.



Hi Bob. This has turned into a thread of reminiscence. I believe that Kling Kor and Sabre Tip ammunition would still be selling well, if they were still being made. With some improvements of course. Maybe Hornady studied KK to come up with their Interlock ammunition.

All the best.

Hi Steve,
I have been keeping a bit of a low profile lately. Burn out at work and planning/plotting retirement in the next year I hope.
This thread has been refreshing to say the least. You are right, a lot of items that we used to use have been forgotten due to our getting up there in years. Not saying I'm getting old.......
Take care,
Jeff

CIL was a divison of Dupont, they sold it to IVI, then the powder plant went to GD. Our shop foreman used to work there. May be that the gov't built and "owned" the plant in WW 1 or 2, Not sure when it was built. Dupont ran it, then I believe bought it after WW2. There is another fella on CGN that used to work there as well, Ganderite.

Thanks for posting. It’s confusing to follow who bought and sold the conpany, and when. It’s almost time for GD to sell it. 😊

I live in eastern Montana. When I was a kid in the early 1970s, I shot a lot of .22 LR ammo from CIL, purchased in our local Coast to Coast store. Neat 50 round plastic boxes that opened on the side. Shot a little CIL 12 gauge as well. Remember it as good stuff.

I remember seeing it in US stores when we visited. My friends and I were always amazed at the sheer amount of stuff and the selection. The CIL/Imperial stuff was in the border states. At least, from what I saw.

Before they closed Moffatt NAS in California, we used to go on TD there. Our sqn flew out of Moffat and San Diego. A few of us enjoyed the gun shop visits (even in Calif!). Compared to Canada, it was amazing.

And the car shows and parts selection. We had some car buffs who were always sourcing stuff for the classics.