Ammunition designed to detonate on impact, causing greater damage than standard projectiles, is subject to international legal restrictions. For instance, the St. Petersburg Declaration of 1868 prohibits the use of exploding projectiles under 400 grams in weight in warfare. This exemplifies an early attempt to regulate weaponry deemed excessively inhumane.
Regulations on such munitions aim to balance military necessity with humanitarian concerns. Limiting the use of certain types of ammunition deemed to cause unnecessary suffering is crucial for upholding the laws of war and mitigating the impact of conflict on civilians and combatants alike. Historical precedents and ongoing debates surrounding specific weapon systems underscore the continuous evolution of international humanitarian law in response to technological advancements.