Artillery Shells are primarly a ball made of cardboard and paper that is filled with pyrotechnic composition. On the bottom of the ball there is a small amount of composition known as the lift charge or lift bag. All reloadable shells come with their own tubes that are made of cardboard, fiberglass or H.D.P.E (High Density Poly-Ethylene). When placed into the mortar tube and ignited the lift charge propels the shell into the air. With a perfectly timed design,when the shell reaches its highest point the shell will break,creating a large arial display. The larger reloadable canister shaped shells are 1.75" wide and contain 60 grams of powder. Artillery shells are available in many shapes & sizes and may have single or multiple breaks. Artillery Shells are sometimes referred to as Mortars, Reloadables or Festival Balls. Very large bouquet shells (up to 48 inches) are frequently used in Japan.