If you've ever stood in awe beneath a sky full of dazzling explosions, chances are you've seen mortar fireworks in action.
These reloadable beasts of the backyard bring major boom and serious sparkle to any celebration.
Whether you're planning an epic July 4th party, a wedding send-off, or just a casual weekend light show, mortars are a must-have in your fireworks stash.
So, what's the deal with mortar fireworks? And more importantly, how much are mortar fireworks?
Let's break it all down, Red Apple style.
What this article covers:
- What Are Mortar Fireworks?
- Common Types of Mortar Shells
- How Much Are Mortar Fireworks?
- What Impacts the Cost?
- Where to Buy Mortar Fireworks
What Are Mortar Fireworks?
Mortar fireworks (also called artillery shells, reloadables, or mortar shells) are single-shot aerial shells that launch from a tube (called a mortar) and explode in the air with vibrant effects.
Each shell is packed with stars, bursting charges, and color compositions to deliver high-impact visuals and thunderous sound.
They're what give those pro-style shows that “WOW” factor—and yes, you can absolutely fire them off from your own backyard (just follow local laws and safety rules).
Each mortar kit typically comes with a launch tube and a bunch of shells—some are single-break (one boom), others are double-break (two effects in one shot), and the most powerful ones deliver up to 60 grams of pyrotechnic composition (the legal U.S. max).

Common Types of Mortar Shells
Here's a quick lowdown on the top types you'll see:
- Ball shells: Spherical, usually single-break. Classic design with symmetrical effects.
- Canister shells: Cylindrical and often double- or triple-break with bigger effects.
- Festival balls: A popular beginner option—ball shells with bright, colorful patterns.
- Triple-break shells: One shell, three distinct effects in sequence. Big crowd-pleasers.
- Max-load canisters: These pack the most punch—maximum legal powder per shell.
Red Apple Fireworks has all of these in stock, by the way.
And we don't mean your average shells—we mean next-level, mind-blowing fireworks designed to turn your backyard into a full-on festival.
How Much Are Mortar Fireworks?
Here's the million-dollar question (or, more like $40–$250): How much are mortar fireworks?
In general, here's what you can expect to pay:
- Entry-level kits: $40–$70 for 6–12 shells
- Mid-range kits: $80–$140 for 12–24 shells with more varied effects
- Premium/max-load kits: $150–$250+ for 24–60 shells loaded with multi-break, max-gram shots and pro-style effects
So, if you're wondering how much do big fireworks cost, these premium mortar kits are your answer. They're bold, booming, and loaded with top-tier performance.
What Impacts the Cost?
Number of Shells Per Kit
More shells equal, of course, more boom.
A pack of shells like the Pixelz™ Bagged 12 Shot Artillery Shells will cost less than a 24-shot deluxe kit like the Buddha™ Shells 24 Shot 5" XL® Canister Shells.
But the 24-shot will give you a lot more—no pun intended—bang for your buck.
Red Apple Fireworks lets you choose how wild you want to get—whether you're just getting started or building a full backyard show.

Shell Size & Effect Complexity
Larger shells deliver louder booms and wider, more complex visuals.
Kits featuring multi-color, multi-break, or custom-sequenced effects will generally cost more, but trust us, it's worth it for the “oohs” and “aahs.”
Brand and Quality
Not all fireworks are built equally. Cheap knockoffs might fizzle out or misfire—no thanks.
At Red Apple Fireworks, we design and test every shell ourselves, ensuring pro-level quality, bold colors, and crowd-thrilling performance every time.
Where and When You Buy
Yes, timing matters. You're not the only one wondering are fireworks cheaper after the 4th—and the answer is, often, yes!
End-of-season sales and off-peak pricing (like in January or October) can snag you serious deals. That said, the hottest items tend to sell out fast, so buy early if you want the best selection.
Where to Buy Mortar Fireworks
Looking for top-tier mortars without breaking the bank?
Skip the gas station tents and discount bins—those aren't it.
Red Apple® Fireworks
At Red Apple Fireworks, mortar kits are literally engineered to maximise your excitement.
We travel the globe to work directly with top manufacturers, tweak formulas in-house, and design every firework for jaw-dropping visuals, smooth lifts, and safe, satisfying booms.
Here's what sets us apart:
- Reloadable Shell Kits curated for every budget and style
- Exclusive designs with pop-culture vibes and fan-favorite themes
- Direct-to-you pricing that cuts out the middleman
- Bold packaging that looks as epic as the fireworks inside
- Year-round deals and drops to help you plan your show early
Browse our mortar fireworks or shop by fireworks effect if you know what kind of magic you want in the sky.
Conclusion
So, how much are mortar fireworks? You're looking at anywhere between $40 and $250, depending on the size, quality, and number of shells.
But no matter your budget, the real value is in the thrill, the sparkle, and the memories you'll create.
Whether you're launching a few shells at a backyard BBQ or designing a choreographed masterpiece for New Year's Eve, Red Apple Fireworks has everything you need to light up the night.
From DIY enthusiasts to families and pros, we've got kits for every style, size, and celebration.
Ready to bring the boom? Check out our full lineup of reloadable shell kits at RedAppleFireworks and join Club Red Apple for exclusive deals and pre-sales.
Buy early, buy smart, and always light it up the Red Apple way.
Let's make your next show legendary!
Want to learn more? Check out these articles:
-
How Much Is a Box of Fireworks
-
Where Can I Buy Fuse for Fireworks
- How Do Fireworks Work?
- Chemistry of Fireworks
- How Are Metallic Salts Used in Fireworks?
- Is Magnesium Used In Fireworks?
- What Makes Fireworks Whistle?
- Where Are Fireworks Made?
- Is There Gunpowder in Fireworks?
- How to Light Fireworks
- What Are Firework Fuses Made of?
- Firework Safety
- Safe and Sane Fireworks
- Pets and Fireworks
- Do You Need a License to Sell Fireworks?
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