an improved subcaliber fin - stabilized penetrator projectile having a plurality of high density pre - penetrator elements mounted in axial alignment in front of a main penetrator body . a casing having a frusto - conically shaped inner axial through - bore is threadably mounted on said main penetrator body and said pre - penetrator elements are matingly mounted in said through - bore and have mating frusto - conical shapes . a ballistic hood is threadably mounted on the forward end of the casing . the main penetrator and pre - penetrator elements are made of a high density metal alloy .