A device for the controlled initiation of a subdetonative reaction of an explosive charge arranged in a shell includes at least one explosive charge core extending in a region of a longitudinal axis of the explosive charge. A transverse dimension of the explosive charge core is adaptable to a radial extent of the shell in a longitudinal direction of the explosive charge, while a charging of the explosive charge core is set homogeneously or locally variably over a length of the explosive charge core with respect to a type of explosive material.