Just like the first toilet was invented by Tom Crapper, the first exploding gun projectile was invented by Henry Shrapnel in 1842.
The first Shrapnel shell from 1842
What a legacy, an invention that has killed millions in agony:
Henry Shrapnel
The idea of an exploding shells seems very 21st century, like with the newest 50 caliber sniper rifles that can take out a tank.
Bunker buster 50 caliber bullets can take out a tank at 1,000 yards
This is a far cry from the fixed WWII 50 caliber machine guns our forefathers used in WWII:
The twin 50 caliber machine gun turret on a B-17
The new 50 caliber bullets use special armor piercing outsides with an explosive embedded, a “bunker buster” in a bullet.
Shrapnel is good
In warfare, lots of knife edged shrapnel from an artillery shell is good, it can help kill the enemy: