Not the oldest that I have seen. The oldest are C.I.L. The pics look OK. I would check them all for wierd looking stains. If you keep them cool and dry, it will be safe for your great grand children to shoot them safely.
That ammo was made by IVI or Industries Valcartier Inc., Valcartier, Quebec, Canada.
I think they took over the old CIL Canadian Industries Ltd. my guess early 70s.
3mac1 says at least 1979. Try google on IVI
What does SSG mean?
SSG (.31") is closer in size to 0 (.32") buck, not 00 (.33"). Note the box labels in the picture.
SSG (.31") is closer in size to 0 (.32") buck, not 00 (.33"). Note the box labels in the picture.
I would not put a lot of weight in your 1st two links. The third link seems to match the chart I posted which has matched any buckshot I have purchased in canada or from the US and reloaded > So far that would be. F, 4, 1,2, 0, and 00.It appears that there is some inconsistency in conversion tables between US and English shot sizes.
http://www.hallowellco.com/shot_size_chart.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shotgun#Shot
http://www.jonathan-spencer.co.uk/Reference/Guns/Shotgun/Ammo/Shotsize1a.htm
I would sure like to know which one is right! I am inclined to think that if Imperial listed their SSG shells as 0 buck, that is probably correct for their shells, at least. The only way to know would be to pop open a shell and measure a pellet.
I'll have to consult my copy of Greener's The Gun and its Development when I have a chance and see what it says.