The damage value given in game is an average value, which is subject to a random +/- 25% modifier. Damage - The average damage the shell does upon a penetrating hit.

All types of high explosive shells have a chance to deal reduced damage if they do not at first penetrate their target. With most ammunition types, if the shell's penetration value is lower than the effective armor of the target it hits, the shell will likely fail to penetrate and do no damage. Average penetration is also subject to a random +/- 25% modifier. This penetration changes at shorter or longer ranges and to different degrees when firing certain types of ammunition. Penetration values given in the game are the shell's ability to penetrate armor at 100 meters away. Penetration - How much armor a shell can penetrate 50% of the time.

These terms are important to know when analyzing ammunition types. Shells are categorized by a number of terms that describe their characteristics.

2.2 Armor Piercing Composite Rigid (APCR).

Tank shell explosion force