Abstract: A projectile, such as a mortar projectile, includes a self-discarding or self-consumable propelling charge holder. A self-discarding propelling charge holder is made up of multiple segments. The propelling charge holder is maintained in place during launch by an igniter holder, and by folding fins of the projectile. The propelling charge increments are consumed during the launch process. After launch, as the folding fins deploy, the segments of the propelling charge holder separate from each other and from the remainder of the projectile, and the igniter holder is forcibly removed from the propelling charge holder segments. Alternatively, the propelling charge holder may be self-consumable, being made of a material that is consumed along with the propelling charge increments.