By using reactive shaped charges to perforate failure prone formations, the present invention is able to keep formation sand in place and increase productivity. An efficient flow distribution is surprisingly produced without requiring surge flow or post-perforation stimulation. Further, using the secondary reactive effects of reactive shaped charges allows for the reduction of the risk of erosion and minimization of sand production. In a preferred embodiment, a liner capable of producing a strongly exothermic intermetallic reaction between liner components within and around the tunnel is used to achieve a high percentage of substantially clean and enlarged perforation tunnels conducive to flow or gravel packing.