Abstract: The invention provides a blank pyrotechnic cartridge comprising a cartridge casing having a bullet-like projection extending forwardly therefrom, the bullet-like projection being retractable through an opening in the casing when the cartridge is fired, the cartridge being axially expandable in a rearwards direction in use to move the breechblock of a firearm to recycle the firearm. Also provided is a method of feeding blank ammunition into the barrel of a gun comprising the step of loading the gun with a blank cartridge, the blank cartridge comprising a cartridge casing having a bullet-like projection extending forwardly therefrom, the bullet-like projection being retractable through an opening in the casing when the cartridge is fired, the cartridge being axially expandable in a rearwards direction in use to move a breechblock of the gun to recycle the gun.

Abstract: A projectile for firing from an ammunition shell. The projectile includes an elongated hollow body of a resilient material, the hollow body further having a trailing end, a mid-portion, and a leading end, the leading end being closed and the trailing end having an aperture providing access to the interior surface. A propellant is included near the leading end of the hollow body and against the interior surface of the elongated hollow body, so that the interior surface of the hollow body between the trailing end of the hollow body and the mid-portion of the hollow body defines a hollow space. The projectile is adapted for placement within the ammunition shell to allow firing of the projectile from a shotgun or the like.