What are the different types of tank rounds?

Shell Types

• Armour-Piercing (AP) Shell.
• Armour-Piercing Composite Rigid (APCR) Shell.
• High Explosive (HE) Shell.
• Premium High Explosive (HE) Shell.
• High Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT) Shell.
• High Explosive Squash Head (HESH) Shell.

What is an APC round?

APC is a blunt nosed round with a special cap (the “c” in the name) which “grips” the armor, turning the shell into a perpendicular plane with the armor (ie it normalizes).

What is an API round?

High-explosive incendiary/armor-piercing ammunition (HEIAP) is a form of shell which combines armor-piercing capability and a high-explosive effect. In this respect it is a modern version of an armor-piercing shell. The ammunition may also be called semi-armor-piercing high-explosive incendiary (SAPHEI)

How do AP shells work?

Rifle armor-piercing ammunition generally carries its hardened penetrator within a copper or cupronickel jacket, similar to the jacket which would surround lead in a conventional projectile. Upon impact on a hard target, the copper case is destroyed, but the penetrator continues its motion and penetrates the target.

What is the most common tank round?

The most common rounds in use today are a high explosive anti-tank (HEAT), armor piercing fin stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS), high explosive squash head (HESH), and high explosive (HE). Below is a picture of what the US Abrams tank uses (m828, and 829A1 are APFSDS).

Can you buy API rounds?

A: Yes. Under federal law it is perfectly legal to make, sell and purchase “armor-piercing” ammunition as long as you have the proper licensing.

What is shell normalization?

Shell Impact Normalization is a term for a situation when a kinetic shell hits a target and, before its penetration is calculated (shell penetration value compared to the tank’s effective armor), the shell adjusts its impact angle slightly (usually by several degrees) in favor of the shooter – for example, if you hit a …