In considering the use of high explosives for destructive purposes, the first requirement is to using the most effective explosive available. This will govern the selection for the burster with maximum effect by an acceptable safe means. This will usually mean using the smallest possible amount of suitable primary explosives. In practice, it is usually found that maximum efficiency can often be achieved by using a very small primary charge to explode a secondary or intermediate charge, which builds up the initiating shock to where full detonation of the burster charge is obtained. Such an intermediate charge is known as a booster. The combined system of the primary charge and booster charge form an explosive train, which together with the main charge (bursting charge) form the explosive system of the weapon.

The basic high explosive train consists of the detonator, booster, and bursting charge. However, high explosive charges are loaded into their containers by one of three methods-cast-loaded, pre-loaded, or extrusion. Cast loading is preferred by pouring the substance as a liquid into a container and letting it solidify. Explosives having no liquid form must be press-loaded, or pressed into their container. The combining of certain explosives results in plastic mixtures that can be loaded only by the extrusion method. The extrusion method employs a pressure system for forcing the plastic mixtures into the various types of projectiles and bomb casings.

Service explosives as used in the Navy are varied and are constantly undergoing changes. However, there are certain basic explosives that have become fairly standard throughout the Navy. A few of the more pertinent explosives and their uses are listed on the right