Abstract: A multiple projectile cartridge for a muzzle loading firearm which comprises a plurality of projectiles, a plastic cup sized to fit into a bore of the muzzle loading firearm containing the projectiles and a top wad inserted into and retained in the open end of the cup by a retaining means in the tubular portion of the cup. The tubular portion of the cup includes several spaced longitudinal slots extending from the open end toward the base of the cup defining petals therebetween. The retaining means preferably includes a radial peripheral groove adjacent the open end of each of the petals of the tubular portion of the cup. The periphery of the top wad engages this groove to retain the top wad in place and in turn retain the shot load in the shot cup when the cartridge is inserted into the bore of the muzzle loading firearm.