Abstract: A wad is provided particularly for steel small shot for cartridges of smooth-bore shotguns or shooting rifles. Each cartridge has a case having an end percussion cap and containing a firing charge and, above that, the wad for accommodating the small shot. The wad has a base turned towards the firing charge and a cylindrical lateral wall which extends from the base towards the direction of firing, in which said cylindrical lateral wall of the wad and the case define an annular space between them intended to prevent the expansion of small shot over the entire cross section of the barrel.

Abstract: A shotgun cartridge includes a cartridge case having a primer, a propelling charge contained in the cartridge case disposed proximate to the primer and shot. A first wad shot grouping element has a travel direction side surface in contact with the shot and extending rearwardly therefrom. The travel direction side surface acts on a first shot mass of the shot positioned in front of the first wad shot grouping element for at least some distance after exiting a barrel of a gun to define a first shot mass pattern. A second wad grouping element has a surface with a travel direction side surface and a side surface extending rearwardly from the travel direction side surface. An exterior surface with an annular edge extends forwardly of said travel direction side surface. The second wad surface acts on a second shot mass of the shot for at least some distance after exiting the barrel of the gun. The exterior surface and the travel direction side surface cooperate to form a cup shaped portion.