Hitting your target is not always enough to put it out of action. Some targets can take quite a bit of damage before they are destroyed, while some hits will not always cause damage. A hit might result in nothing more than a superficial graze or flesh wound. To decide if a hit causes damage, compare the weapon's Strength characteristic with the target's Toughness characteristic. Each weapon has its own Strength value, given in the description of the weapon. Here are some examples of different weapons and their Strength characteristics.

Consult the chart below. Cross-reference the weapon's Strength (S) with the target's Toughness (T). The number indicated is the minimum score on a D6 needed to convert the hit into damage. As with shooting, roll the dice together and, once again, you can use different coloured dice to pick out weapons with different Strengths.

Some units will contain models which have different Toughness characteristics. To keep things simple, use the Toughness characteristic that is in the majority in the target unit. If no majority exists, use the lowest in the unit. If this roll is successful, the target has been wounded and you proceed to the Determine Casualties section.

Note that N on the chart means the hit has no effect A target with the Toughness indicated cannot be harmed by a hit of such puny strength.

Example: A Space Maine armed with a Boltgun shoots at an Ork and hits him. A boltgun has a Strength of 4 and the Ork has a Toughness of 4. Referring to the Chart, a score at 4 or more is needed to convert the hit into damage. If the dice roll is 4 or more, the Ork takes a wound - as he has only 1 Wound in the first place, he will be 'killed' and removed from play {subject to Saving throws - see later).