Best Artillery Shells Fireworks

If you love fireworks that fill the sky with color, crackle, and thunder, the best artillery shells fireworks are what you're looking for.

These reloadable shells deliver the biggest, brightest, and boldest breaks you can legally fire in your backyard.

Whether you're a DIY fireworks fan, a family looking for a showstopper, or an event planner chasing that pro-level finale, artillery shells bring the boom. But where do you start with so many great options? Don't worry; we're here to guide the way.

What this article covers:

• What Are Artillery Shells?
• Top Artillery Shell Types and Effects to Consider
• Our Top Artillery Shells Fireworks

What Are Artillery Shells?

Artillery shells, also called reloadable mortar fireworks, are the heavy hitters of consumer fireworks.

Each shell is a perfectly packed sphere or cylinder containing lift powder, color stars, and a bursting charge.

When you drop one into the included mortar tube and light the fuse, it launches into the air, ignites mid-flight, and bursts into a massive pattern of light and sound.

Every shell includes three main components:

• Lift charge: propels the shell skyward at high speed.
  
• Burst charge: triggers the main explosion and spreads the stars.
  
• Stars and effects: the glowing pieces that form the colors, shapes, and trails.

Unlike cakes or fountains, reloadable shells give you full control. You can pace your show, mix different effects, and reload for as long as you've got shells ready to fire.

It's the most customizable way to run a display that feels professional without the price tag.

Top Artillery Shell Types and Effects to Consider

Artillery shells come in a range of effect styles, each one built for a different kind of wow factor.

The best shows mix several types together to create contrast and rhythm.

• Peony: A classic round burst of color with no trail – clean, bright, and symmetrical.
  
• Chrysanthemum: Similar to a peony but with long glittering tails that fade like a starburst.
  
• Willow: Elegant gold or silver trails that drift slowly before fading out.
  
• Palm: A burst with thick comet tails that look like palm fronds spreading across the sky.
  
• Spider: Fast-moving, sharp points that shoot straight before flickering out.

Our Top Artillery Shells Fireworks

When it comes to reloadable shells, Red Apple® Fireworks leads the pack with precision-built canister kits designed for serious fireworks fans.

Here are picks for the best fireworks in this category. Each one is performance-tested for burst size, height, and consistency, giving you fireworks that never disappoint.

1. Ganja® Killa 24 Shot 6-Inch XXL™ Canister Shells

When it comes to size and sound, Ganja® Killa 24 Shot 6-Inch XXL™ Canister Shells sit on the throne. These 6-inch giants are built for pyros who want nothing short of a full-sky takeover.

• Shell size: 6 inches
  
• Shots: 24
  
• Height: Up to 200 feet
  
• Effects: Neon pink, blue, green, gold, and silver with palms, brocades, crackle, glitter, and strobe
  
• Why it rocks: Each shell is packed with the legal max 60 grams of powder for enormous, layered breaks. Think city-show energy in your own backyard.

One reviewer didn't hold back on the praise: “These bad boys shook windows and made the neighborhood come outside to watch the show. 100% buying these again!”

2. Geisha® 24 Shot 6-Inch XXL™ Canister Shells

Elegant, powerful, and ridiculously colorful, the Geisha® 24 Shot 6-Inch XXL™ Canister Shells are a work of art that hits like a hammer.

• Shell size: 6 inches
  
• Shots: 24
  
• Height: Around 200 feet
  
• Effects: Intense reds, pinks, purples, and greens with glittering peonies, palms, and time rain
  
• Why it rocks: Smooth pacing, long hang time, and balanced burst shapes make this one a favorite among both pros and backyard fans.

The reviews say it all – these shells leave a serious impression: “Best willow kit on the market. Nothing else compares.”

3. Chroma® 24 Shot 5-Inch XL® Canister Shells

Color addicts, this one's for you. Chroma® 24 Shot 5-Inch XL® Canister Shells light up the sky with some of the richest, purest hues you'll ever see.

• Shell size: 5 inches
  
• Shots: 24
  
• Height: About 150 feet
  
• Effects: Neon red, lime, purple, aqua, and gold with time, rain, crackle, and peony bursts
  
• Why it rocks: Short lift, quick burst, massive color, these shells prove that smaller size doesn't mean smaller spectacle.

Here's what one fireworks fan had to say after lighting up the Chroma® shells: ”These are some of the best shells I have seen in a few years, they have a huge, amazing, break and several different effects.”

4. Bombas De La Muerte™ 24 Shot 6-Inch XXL™ Canister Shells

If you want drama, this is your showstopper. Bombas De La Muerte™ 24 Shot 6-Inch XXL™ Canister Shells deliver thunder, flash, and attitude in every single shot.

• Shell size: 6 inches
  
• Shots: 24
  
• Height: Up to 200 feet
  
• Effects: Gold brocade, red strobe, and silver chrysanthemum with heavy report
  
• Why it rocks: Built for those who crave sound and shock value—each burst feels like it's shaking the ground.

This reviewer summed up the Bombas experience perfectly: “You made the best firework ever, Red Apple! I love you!”

5. Tiki Bombs 24 Shot 6-Inch Canister Shells

If your show needs some tropical heat, Tiki Bombs 24 Shot 6-Inch Canister Shells bring the island vibe straight to your backyard. These 6-inch shells combine power and personality, launching massive bursts that light the sky with beach-party energy.

• Shell size: 6 inches
  
• Shots: 24
  
• Height: Up to 200 feet
  
• Effects: Multi-color peonies, palms, crackle, glitter, and strobe
  
• Why it rocks: Each shell hits with the full 60 grams of powder, delivering bright, layered bursts that feel like fireworks on vacation. It's colorful, loud, and completely unforgettable.

Here's what Craig has to say about the Tiki Bombs: “These are the best fireworks I've fired in years. Beautiful display and super loud. Highly recommend.”

Conclusion

If you want the power, precision, and artistry of professional fireworks in your own backyard, Red Apple® artillery shell kits are the way to go.

Our reloadable mortar fireworks are built for both fun and performance, with vibrant color, high lift, and explosive symmetry.

Shop online or visit our Red Apple® store locations to see the kits in person, or grab a Red Apple® membership for exclusive deals and early access to new shells.

Ready to learn more about fireworks? Check out these articles:

• Best Fountain Fireworks
• Best Fireworks For Kids
• Best Finale Fireworks