Abstract: The present invention is a multidisk shell and wad for use in a multidisk shell. The wad consists of a wad base, a cushioning section attached at a first end to a top section of the wad base, and at least three alignment arms attached to a second end of the cushioning section. The cushioning section is interposed between the projectile mass and the wad base. The preferred cushioning section comprises a hollow outer cylinder and at least one inner cylinder of polymeric plastic material. Thus, there are at least two concentric cylinders providing the cushioning between the disks and the expanding propellant charge. These at least two concentric cylinders and are attached at first ends to the top side of the wad base. The wad has at least three spatially separated alignment arms having proximal ends and distal ends for maintaining the alignment of projectiles as they travel through the gun barrel.

Abstract: An otherwise conventional shell is provided with a load consisting of a plurality of axially stacked disks. The disks separate during flight and each strikes the target with a substantial portion of the initial momentum imparted to the disks thereby contributing to the stopping power of the load. In alternative embodiments, individual disks are scored so that on impact, the disks shatter into many smaller fragments, each capable of penetration into the target to impart additional wound trauma to the target. Disks may be made of lead, ceramic, or other dense material. Alternatively, plastic or a relatively soft elastomeric material is used when a non lethal but debilitating load is appropriate such as in crowd control situations.

Abstract: A genetically marked strain of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is characterized in that the mitochondrial (mt)DNA of the yeast has been rearranged by recombination. A method of producing such a strain is also disclosed.