stenskott

Stenskott is a Swedish historical term for ammunition consisting of stones fired from artillery in earlier periods. The word comes from sten (stone) and skott (shot). In Swedish military sources, stenskott referred to stone projectiles used notably in the Middle Ages and the early modern era when metallic projectiles were scarce or costly. Stones could be used as crude, often rounded or irregular spheres, or as rough stones selected to fit the gun’s bore. The effective range and impact depended on the stone’s density, size, and the weapon, but stone shot generally offered limited range and accuracy compared with later iron or lead projectiles. Loading such ammunition required rammed packing and could accelerate wear on barrels; the projectiles could shatter barrels if not properly sized.

With advances in metallurgy, iron and lead shot replaced stone shot, and its military use faded by the 18th century in most armies. Today the term survives mainly in historical texts and in museum contexts, where recovered stone projectiles illustrate early artillery technology and logistics. The study of stenskott contributes to understanding resource constraints, siege practices, and the transition to standardized metal ammunition in Swedish and broader European warfare.

See also: artillery, cannonball, stone shot.