There are people who own and fire smoothbore artillery and also like to post the results on youtube. I'll bet these guys enjoyed blowing things up with firecrackers as children

Search youtube for black powder or smoothbore artillery shell.

Best regards,
Terry

Yes, indeed. I located an ACW 8" mortar demonstration. Ironically,the shell, albeit larger than a field artillery shell, exploded in the air with a loud, resonating "BANG."
In another video, a shell exploded as it landed. with an almighty 'CRASH.' Very different, to my ear, from the roar and blast of a high-explosive shell.