Exploding ammunition

Exploding ammunition is ammunition in which high explosive has been substituted for gunpowder. It is designed to explode and destroy the weapon it is used in and perhaps injure or kill the person attempting to fire the weapon. In addition to cartridges used in small arms exploding ammunition can include rocket-propelled grenades or mortar shells. Exploding ammunition is intended to be used by the enemy, usually an insurgent force; it is commonly funneled to them through black market channels.^[1]

Historical use

Exploding ammunition was used by both Allied and German forces during World War II, by the United States in Vietnam (Project Eldest Son), Iraq, and Afghanistan; possibly by the Soviet Union in Afghanistan; and by government forces during the Syrian civil war.^[1]

Distribution

In addition to sale through black market channels, exploding ammunition may be distributed to enemy forces by being "lost" during transport, or on the battlefield where it may be left behind after a retreat. If the opportunity presents itself, exploding ammunition may be switched with ammunition stocks of the enemy or even the cartridges in the weapons of dead enemies.^[1]

Effectiveness

Exploding ammunition, if used by enemy forces, is demoralizing, produces casualties, and destroys enemy weapons. However, it is quite likely that, once introduced into a theater of war, it will end up injuring friendly forces or even forces of the government which introduced it. Using a small charge which only jams the weapon is sometimes done when the chance that the doctored ammunition may fall into friendly hands is high, for example, when a case of ammunition is "lost" by appearing to have fallen from the back of a truck.^[1]

Notes

1. C. J. Chivers (October 19, 2012). "Syrians Place Booby-Trapped Ammunition in Rebels’ Guns". The New York Times. Retrieved October 20, 2012.