Shells are usually large-caliber projectiles fired by artillery, armored fighting vehicles (e.g. tanks, assault guns, and mortar carriers), warships, and autocannons.

What is inside artillery shells?

Modern high-explosive artillery shells consist of a shell casing, a propelling charge, and a bursting charge; the propelling charge is ignited by a primer at the base of the shell, and the bursting charge by a fuse in the nose. ... Steel has generally supplanted brass for cartridge cases.

What is meant by artillery shells?

Noun. 1. artillery shell - a shell fired by artillery. shell - ammunition consisting of a cylindrical metal casing containing an explosive charge and a projectile; fired from a large gun.