Choosing the right ammunition for self-propelled howitzers dictates whether you dominate the match or spend the entire game paying repair costs. When examining high-tier high-explosive platforms, the M107 and the 155mm OE F3 stand out as the primary ordnance choices. Understanding their ballistic behaviors, explosive mass, and fuze options separates average players from top-tier commanders.
The M107 series—especially variants featuring proximity options—offers superior tactical versatility because it lets you switch fuze settings or leverage proxy detonations against low-flying aircraft and exposed vehicle roofs. Meanwhile, the 155mm OE F3 acts as a conventional high-explosive alternative with slightly altered velocity characteristics. Deciding which shell deserves a slot in your ammunition rack depends entirely on map geometry, engagement distances, and target profiles.
Ballistic Profiles and Muzzle Velocity
Ballistics dictate hit probability across long-range engagements. Shell velocity determines how much lead you need to give a moving target and how severe your shell drop will be over distance.
- Velocity Differences: The standard M107 configuration travels at a reliable muzzle velocity, whereas the OE F3 historically featured distinct velocity parameters depending on the specific vehicle platform.
- Arc and Drop: Lower velocity rounds suffer from pronounced arc trajectories. If you're firing over steep ridgelines or behind urban cover, a looping trajectory helps hit targets hiding on reverse slopes.
- Flight Time: At ranges exceeding one thousand meters, every meter per second of muzzle velocity reduces the target's chance to react or move out of the impact zone.
Explosive Mass and Damage Mechanics
High-explosive shells rely on volumetric overpressure and shrapnel dispersion rather than kinetic penetration. Comparing the explosive payload reveals minor differences that affect single-shot kill reliability.
- TNT Equivalents: The M107 variant often packs a massive explosive load (surpassing nine kilograms of TNT equivalent depending on the specific configuration), which matches or slightly exceeds the OE F3's standard fill.
- Overpressure Calculations: War Thunder's damage model calculates pressure damage when a heavy HE shell strikes thin armor plates, roof decks, or turret rings. Both shells deliver enough filler to obliterate light vehicles instantly, but heavy main battle tanks require careful placement near weak structural seams.
- Shrapnel Spread: Thicker casing fragmentation on the M107 produces a wider lethal cone against infantry or open-topped tank destroyers.
Tactical Applications: When to Choose Each Shell
Carrying a mixed loadout or committing entirely to one shell type changes your operational workflow on the battlefield.
- The Case for M107 (PF): Many veteran players load exclusively M107 shells with proximity capabilities because you can toggle fuze settings on the fly. This eliminates the need to guess whether you'll need air defense or direct impact support.
- The Case for OE F3: Players who prefer traditional impact behavior find that the OE F3 provides a straightforward alternative when proximity fuzes trigger prematurely on tiny brush elements or tree branches.
- Ammo Rack Management: Restricting your total ammo count to a dozen shells minimizes the risk of catastrophic internal ammunition detonations if an enemy flanks your position.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced tankers make critical errors when operating heavy artillery platforms in direct-fire or semi-indirect roles.
- Overpacking Ammunition: Bringing a full rack turns your vehicle into a massive floating bomb. Keep your load low to reduce silhouette vulnerability.
- Ignoring Environment Obstacles: Firing high-explosive rounds too close to concrete barriers, fences, or low tree branches results in shell detonation right in front of your barrel.
- Misjudging Reload Windows: With reload times stretching past ten seconds on heavy howitzers, missing your initial shot leaves you defenseless against rapid-firing mediums and main battle tanks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which shell has a higher explosive filler?
The M107 variants and the OE F3 carry comparable explosive masses, often hovering around nine kilograms of TNT equivalent, though exact values fluctuate slightly based on specific vehicle implementations.
Can the M107 proximity fuze destroy aircraft?
Yes. Setting the M107 to proximity mode allows it to detonate near helicopters or low-flying jets, turning your howitzer into an unexpected anti-air platform.
Is it better to bring a mixed loadout?
Many commanders prefer carrying mostly M107 rounds for flexibility, but keeping a small handful of alternative shells ensures you have options if proxy fuzes misbehave on dense maps.
Why does my shell explode mid-air before hitting the target?
If you are using a proximity-fuzed variant, trees, power lines, or dense shrubbery close to your flight path can trigger the fuse prematurely. Adjust your firing angle or switch to a standard impact setting.
