Iron Nest Powder Charges — How Many to Use

The Formula

Iron Nest uses one equation for every shell:

Elevation = range (km) × 12 ÷ number of powder charges

Each charge provides up to 5 km of maximum range, and the gun tops out at 60° of elevation.

Work backwards from the formula. For a target at 12 km:

As a quick rule of thumb:

The exact number comes from plugging your triangulated range into the formula — don’t guess, or your shell lands short (see the Accuracy guide).

Each charge costs 4 RC.
You cannot unload charges once they’re loaded.
Loading the wrong count wastes the round and the credits, so confirm your range before you reach for the powder bags.

Loading maximum charges for a close target — the shell overshoots.
Under-charging a distant target — the shell lands short.
Forgetting charges are permanent — you can’t back out after loading.
Confusing elevation with bearing — charges set elevation; the turret rotation sets bearing. They’re two separate steps.

For the full firing loop, see the Beginner’s Guide.

Can I unload a powder charge after loading it?

No. Once loaded, charges cannot be unloaded. If you load the wrong number, the round is wasted (and so are the credits) — calculate before you load.

How much does a charge cost?

Each powder charge costs 4 credits (RC). Loading extra charges you don't need wastes budget.

What's the maximum elevation?

60°. If your calculation would push elevation above 60°, the gun is capped there — you can't reach that range with that charge count.