Abstract: An indexable shell cutter having an improved cartridge for mounting a cutter insert on the cutting face of the shell cutter body. The cutter body has a plurality of recesses extending rearwardly from the cutting face, each of said recesses being formed by a first surface, a second surface spaced from the first surface, and a base surface extending between the first and second surfaces. The second surface is essentially perpendicular to the plane of the cutting face of the cutter head and is V-shaped in cross-section. A cartridge is removably secured in each of the recesses with the base of the cartridge being in mating engagement with the second surface of the recess.