this post was submitted on 31 May 2025
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[–] Atomic@sh.itjust.works 52 points 1 week ago (2 children)

That is a myth. The spherical form is to maximize surface area to volume for shrapnel, ensuring that no matter how it lands. Shrapnel will go in all directions.

[–] Rusty@lemmy.ca 28 points 1 week ago

That's definitely a myth. Soviet WW-2 grenades like RGD-5 and F-1 are also spherical and baseball was unknown at that time in USSR.

[–] InputZero@lemmy.world 22 points 1 week ago

It's also wayyy more cost effective when you're transporting them. For the Allies, because they relied so heavily on supply lines every cubic foot of space on a ship or truck was important. Carrying a grenade on a stick to the front means not carrying three more grenades. I'm sure four grenades are more lethal than one grenade that a soldier might be able to throw a little bit further.