Abstract: A wad (10) for cartridges, for example for hunting or competition, comprises a lower portion (11) suitable to rest on the propellant powder of the cartridge, an upper portion (13) on which rests the projectile of the cartridge, and an intermediate portion (12), arranged to join the lower portion (11) and upper portion (13). The wad (10) comprises at least one sealing element (20), suitable to form a seal against the escape of the combustion gases generated by the propellant powder, placed in correspondence of the upper portion (13). Advantageously, the wad (10) is made of paper so as to be environmentally friendly and, at the same time, provide excellent shooting performance.