Systems for launching one or more projectiles from a bore are provided. An
exemplary system incorporates a shell, a projectile, an explosive charge
and a wad. The shell includes a base and a casing, with the casing
defining an interior. The projectile is located within the interior and
is configured to be expelled from the shell casing. The explosive charge
is located within the interior and is configured to expel the projectile
from the casing. The wad is located within the interior and is configured
to expel the projectile from the casing in response to detonation of the
explosive charge. The wad includes petals and a petal stop, with the
petals being movable between a closed position, in which free ends of the
petals are arranged proximate to each other such that the petals at least
partially surround the projectile, and an open position, in which the
free ends of the petals are displaced from each other, the petal stop
being configured to limit movement of the petals beyond the open
position. Responsive to being expelled from a bore by detonation of the
explosive charge, the petals move from the closed position to the open
position, thereby retarding the wad and releasing the projectile.