Abstract: An explosive assembly comprising, as an intact unit in a water distended bore hole, a loading tube and an explosive loaded therein, the loading tube being formed from a water-soluble plastic material; and means for detonating said explosive.Method for loading the explosive, comprising drilling the bore hole using a Kelly Bar type drill; retaining the Kelly Bar in the resulting bore hole and longitudinally emplacing the above loading tube therein; loading the explosive in the emplaced tube; and, either prior, or subsequent, to said loading, raising the Kelly Bar from around the tube to provide the above explosive assembly. The loading tube is capable of retaining its tubular identity in its surrounding water environment for a period sufficient to permit loading the explosive for the shot.