Abstract: A firearm shell has a hull with a hull chamber and a rear end containing a primer. A hull side wall extends forward from the rear end to a front end. A powder charge is contained within the hull at the rear end. A sabot is positioned forward of the powder charge, and has a base and forwardly extending side portions defining a cup. A projectile has a forward end and a rear end received in the cup. A cushion is provided in the hull, rearward of the bullet. The cushion may be an elastomer such as silicone, and may be positioned immediately behind the bullet, forward of the base of the sabot.