.223 headstamp---IVI 85?

[NorCalRanches]

Local older gent knew I'm always in need of .223 brass and brought some into the shop today. Headstamped IVI 85. I've never heard of it or seen it before. Just curious who made it and if it is good brass. Seems to all be once fired stuff, he said he bought it years back as 'new mil surplus' then. Was still belted together so I'd have to believe that is what it is. Any ideas?

Oh ya, headstamped IVI 85 with a NATO cross.

Thanks

 

[Jim Watson]

Canadian, from Industries Valcartier Inc.

"Still belted together"? I don't know of a machine gun that puts empties back in the belt, somebody just did that for merchandising.

 

[NorCalRanches]

I'm sorry, the fellow who gave it to me said it was still linked when he opened it up. He was mostly complaining as he had to seperate each round in order to shoot it through his bolt gun. He couldn't tell me much about it other than he said it was loaded with a FMJ bullet. He was just using it as cheap varmint rounds. Thanks.

 

[Jim Watson]

That is good news.

Certainly better that he stripped MG ammo and shot it in a bolt action than if you had gotten cases fired in a roomy MG chamber.

 

[egnilk66]

They come boxed in clips of 5 or 8. Not belted.