Canadian military ammunition supply explained

[maple_leaf_eh]

While looking for something else, I bumped into this Rand Corporation study on the Canadian ammunition supply privatization experience.

rand.org/pubs/monographs/MG169.html

The history of ammunition production from the 1870s onwards is laid out. There are more details there than I think I ever recall. And a few surprises too. Like Supergun inventor Dr. Gerald Bull once owned the explosives factory in Valleyfield. Like there are TWO explosives factories in North America which serve the military market, and Valleyfield is one.

 

[Longbow338]

While looking for something else, I bumped into this Rand Corporation study on the Canadian ammunition supply privatization experience.

rand.org/pubs/monographs/MG169.html

The history of ammunition production from the 1870s onwards is laid out. There are more details there than I think I ever recall. And a few surprises too. Like Supergun inventor Dr. Gerald Bull once owned the explosives factory in Valleyfield. Like there are TWO explosives factories in North America which serve the military market, and Valleyfield is one.

I've actually had the opportunity to visit the General Dynamics factory in Valleyfield. The whole process is pretty amazing to see first hand.

 

[Garand]

Back in the day, the Ammo Tech TQ6A course used to have a tour of IVI as part of the course. Apparently after bringing up so many quality control problems by the courses the invitation was withdrawn.

 

[Cameron SS]

Back in the day, the Ammo Tech TQ6A course used to have a tour of IVI as part of the course. Apparently after bringing up so many quality control problems by the courses the invitation was withdrawn.

That will happen.

I'm still waiting for my refund for all the bad C-13s I was issued in theatre. Actions on misfire. Throw another one. And another one. And another one. All out. Fvck. Transition to pistol. FVCK!!!!!!

 

[DT741]

That will happen.

I'm still waiting for my refund for all the bad C-13s I was issued in theatre. Actions on misfire. Throw another one. And another one. And another one. All out. Fvck. Transition to pistol. FVCK!!!!!!

I remember a lot that was 50/50 duds in 2007. We kept the demo guy at the bays ready to blow duds as they happened.

The new ones are gtg but who the fvck requested that 3rd safety measure ?!?!

Now we have to:

-remove the safety clip
-rotate the grenade pin 1/4 turn
-pull the pin
-throw

 

[Longbow338]

Back in the day, the Ammo Tech TQ6A course used to have a tour of IVI as part of the course. Apparently after bringing up so many quality control problems by the courses the invitation was withdrawn.

Well the TQ6A is now called the RQ Sgt and IVI is now GD OTS but the Ammo Techs still get to your the plants.

 

[maple_leaf_eh]

Back in the day, the Ammo Tech TQ6A course used to have a tour of IVI as part of the course. Apparently after bringing up so many quality control problems by the courses the invitation was withdrawn.

The time period of transitioning to private ownership makes for a good read. I noted the comments about QC and quality too.

For a while in the late 80s and early 90s, the IVI ball ammo issued to the DCRA and the provincial rifle associations was pathetic. Undersized 7.62 bullets and wonky runouts. I had to buy a .3065 dia barrel, which was considered the necessary thing to do, just to stay on target. The issue was resolved when the DCRA bought privately loaded ammo for the national matches and then said 'screw it' and let everyone load their own. Scores went through the roof!

 

[Ganderite]

Prior to IVI we shot DA (Dominion Arsenals) ammo made by a crown corporation.

It was very high quality ammo. Somewhat better than the minimum specs for the ammo.

IVI looked at the specs and figured they could make the ammo cheaper. They did not have to make such a high quality product.

The specs were generous.

The specs for the ammo and the C1 rifle barrels were something like .307 to .310 (Going by memory here.)

As it happened, the rifle barrels were made near maximum diameter and IVI bullets were made near minimum diameter. Accuracy sucked.

Those of us shooting this ammo in Target Rifle used .3065 barrels.