Will there be different types of ammunition available?
Artillery units in Empire can gain access to a variety of ammo types that can be selected by activating a unit ability in battle. Ammo types include explosive shot - these are cannon balls that fly towards their target and then burst and fragment, showering an enemy with shards of metal that can be devastating to a unit of infantry. Canister shot or grape shot works in the similar way but at a shorter range, turning a cannon into a giant sawn-off shotgun. Then there are grenades which are delivered via grenadiers on the battlefield, with their range and effectiveness based on the experience and training of the unit.
Source: http://blogs.sega.com/totalwar/2008/07/14/empire-total-war-faq-5/


I have seen a lot of posts about what kinds of ammo, etc. will be available so I thought I'd post this tidbit as a teaser to get you to check out the newest blog post from 7-14.

A few other interesting bits in there as well about cover, destructable buildings, cover, dragoon mounting & dismounting.

Ultimately I think these ammo types cover the majority of what you'd want to simulate. I am also now lusting for some screenshots of grenadiers in action...