12 ga. Flechette Shells

12 Gauge Flechette is a type of 12 Gauge ammunition that appeared exclusively in Fallout Tactics.

Damage: +60%

Penetration: -20%

Description: ''Shotgun ammunition. 12 Gauge anti-personnel.''

Described
Unlike standard shotgun rounds, which fire a dispersing cloud of round-ball shot, flechette rounds are designed specifically for antipersonnel applications against unarmored or armored targets. Although the primary propellant charge and wadding scheme remain the same, the round-ball shot is replaced with a cluster of small darts, typically forged from carbon steel or a harder metal. Armor-piercing flechettes can be made from tungsten, osmium, or even depleted uranium for large weapons.

Shotgun-fired flechettes remain extremely effective at ranges where ordinary shot has lost much of its impact energy. Their aerodynamic construction and composition metals ensure penetration even at long ranges. Armor provides some protection at long range. A further advantage to flechette shells for infantry is decreased recoil; the lighter projectiles require less propellant to achieve lethal velocity, creating a corresponding reduction in felt recoil to the shooter.

Although used extensively by artillery units during the World Wars and the Vietnam war in the form of so-called "beehive rounds," shotgun flechettes are often illegal in many countries, and their use in a military setting has created considerable debate over acceptability under the Geneva Conventions.