Abstract: A tubular housing for a shell comprising an annular support assembly for the shell ogive, the support assembly having a conical support face adapted to the ogive contour. The support assembly comprises ring segments which, in the rest position of the shell, are radially confined but may move with the shell upon the latter being axially pulled out of the housing, the segments thereby becoming radially displaceable so to release the ogive otherwise wedgedly clamped in the support assembly. Stop means are provided to limit axial and radial segment displacement.