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Forget AR2205 until you actually see it on the shelves and don't believe a thing Thales claim.

Numerous rumours were circulated about the issues with pistol powders. In reality (and publicly admitted by Thales), Thales licenced the production to General Dynamics in Canada who now supply it to Hodgdon for the US market (Clays, International, Universal).

Thales' main customer for AR2205 was Hodgdon who marketed it in the US, variously as H4227 and later as IMR4227 (Hodgdon hold the rights to the name IMR4227 and can label anything they like as such). Lately I've seen photos of jugs of IMR4227 with 'Made in Canada' on the label. Possible that Thales sold production rights to General Dynamics Canada and don't give a crap about Australian customers.

No secret that Thales and General Dynamics are in partnership for a number of high end defence products. So the question remains did Thales sacrifice their Australian powder customers as part of the quid pro quo for their other endeavours?

The "Winchester" ball powders are actually manufactured by General Dynamics Florida with distributions rights owned by Hodgdon. Olin Corp (Winchester) has a significant commercial relationship with Thales. Olin Corp (Winchester) whereby Olin manufactures all the 9mm and some of the 5.56mm ammo which Thales then supplies to the ADF. Olin Corp (Winchester) Australia are a significant distributor of Thales powder in Australia and stopped importing Winchester branded ball powders.

Of course there's no market manipulation or cartel behaviour going on......

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