Shell

A Shell is a catch-all term referring to the ammunition used in Cannons, Howitzers, and all manners of Artillery. Although technically similar to bullets, shells are considerably larger (ranging from 20mm upwards), and also typically contain a specialized component called a Warhead that is responsible for the shell's effect on the target.

Shells come in many different sizes, to match a specific firing weapon; Shells for one type of weapon cannot be used in another type of weapon. The smallest shells are only 20mm to 40mm in diameter, and are used in Autocannons and Grenade Launchers. Larger shells (~75mm to ~125mm) are fired from Cannons, and are typically used to defeat enemy armored vehicles. Artillery shells can range from ~80mm upwards (the smallest being Mortar shells), and are meant to be fired indirectly at the target (in a high arc). The largest shells are Artillery shells, which can potentially reach many inches in size, and are fired indirectly from massive cannons or howitzers.

The term "shell" refers to the totality of the fired projectile, including the propellant (which explodes on firing and propels the shell out of the weapon), the warhead (which actually deals damage to the target), and the casing (the outer shell that holds everything together). Of these, the Warhead is the most important part, as it determines what targets a specific shell is useful against.

ShackTac uses the term "shell" occasionally, and it is mostly interchangeable with the term "round" (which also applies to bullets of any size).