Abstract: A method and an apparatus for the explosive shaping of metal tubing are provided. A die including a pair of die halves are opened and closed by means of a clamping assembly attached thereto. The die halves include a plurality of die segments which are coupled in series. A breech is secured to one end of the die. A shotgun shell may be loaded into the breech and fired by means of a detonator. The necessary force for deforming the tubing is accordingly provided. A water retaining block is secured to the end of the die opposite the breech so that water can be held in the tubing prior to detonation of the shell.