When did IVI stop producing Imperial ammunition and why?
The actions of a Canadian company are difficult to understand.
IVI started producing the Imperial line in 1977 and IVI was
purchased by SNC in 1980. Production of ammunition for the military
was always a larger part of IVI's business because it tended to be
consistent. In 1983 and 1984, production at IVI was cut back as
they retooled to produce 5.56 mm. Through the later 80's, military
production increased and it may be that civilian ammunition
production decreased at that time to concentrate on the more
lucrative military contracts.
The correct answer to "why" is no doubt buried in IVI somewhere
but it may be along the lines that they were more interested in
making money with better contracts than they were with making
sporting ammunition.
A Rand Corp report is available on the net by searching IVI
ammunition.