Imperial Ammunition and Extension for Early Entry Discount

Published on:
May 29, 2019

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Members may be aware that there has been a greater than expected incidence of dislodged or broken extractors with certain makes of Target Rifle action when firing the 2019 batch of GGG ammunition.

Our analysis indicates that this is occurring in up to 5% of rifles compared to the expected 1% or so.

The accuracy performance of the ammunition has been described as “phenomenal”.

A significant majority of extractor problems occur during the first few shoots. If a  rifle is likely to suffer extractor failure it will quickly become obvious.

The majority of the rifles affected to date have been either Barnard or RPA actions (although the majority of rifles with these actions are unaffected).

• Barnard Actions : The extractor becomes partially or completely dislodged from its seating in the bolt. A partially dislodged extractor usually jams against the adjacent internal locking lug of the action preventing withdrawal of the bolt. In most instances the problem can be rectified on the firing point and the firer is able to complete their shoot, if necessary with use of a cleaning rod to extract the fired cases.

We are developing and testing modifications to the extractor on these actions. Only one problem has been reported in rifles with modified extractors. Barnard have also been consulted.

• RPA & Paramount Actions : The majority of those affected are Quadlock actions. A few problems have occurred with Paramount and RPA 2000 actions. With these actions the extractor fails completely, however firers are still able to complete their shoot albeit requiring use of a cleaning rod to extract the fired cases

Our investigations suggest that the majority of extractor failures in these actions may be due to fatigue failure of the material often combined with previous damage to the extractor.

Extensive testing  has confirmed the physical dimensions of the ammunition and components are fully compliant with CIP / SAAMI drawings. Brass hardness profile and composition also comply with the  exacting NATO requirements of STANAG 2130. Pressure test results from both the manufacturer and British Proof Laboratory are all within limits.

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I have reviewed plans for the 2019 Imperial meeting and confirm the 2019 batch of GGG will be the issued ammunition for the 150^th Imperial Meeting.

I am confident that by:-

(a) making modifications to Barnard extractors readily available;

(b) ensuring sufficient parts availability and on-call gunsmith capacity to address problems which may occur during the Meeting; and

(c) ensuring  robust arrangements are in place for on range procedures to be followed by competitors and range staff if incidents of extractor failure occur during shoots.

any problems arising from extractor failure / difficulty and consequent inconvenience to competitors will be minimised.

Competitors who have declared Barnard actions on their entry form will be notified of the modification and gunsmiths offering the service once testing is complete. A simple replacement of the existing extractor/plunger/spring with a modified or upgraded version is required. No other modification to bolt or action body is necessary.

In the event a competitor is unable to complete their shoot due to extractor failure using the issued ammunition, the incident shall be deemed a delay and not the fault of the competitor. A partial re-shoot will usually be allowed. Amended versions of Rules 283, 284 & 298 will be published on the Secretary General’s notice board together with the procedures to be followed.

Many shooters have already shot the 2019 batch GGG and many more will do so ahead of the Meeting. We therefore believe the number of competitors affected during the critical elements of the Imperial should be relatively small and eminently manageable.

Extended deadline for early entry discount 

The number of Imperial entries is well up on last year; however I understand some competitors have been awaiting an update on the extractor issue. I have therefore decided to extend the deadline for the early entry discount to midday Friday 7^th June 2019.

Finally, I would like to extend my grateful thanks to John Bloomfield, Tom Rylands, Fergus Flanagan, Barnard, LEI Ltd and GGG for their diligence and support in the investigations to date.

Andrew Mercer

Group Chief Executive & Secretary General