The present invention relates to a cartridge(10), in particular for a setting tool, comprising a sleeve member (11) and a sleeve cover (13), which form the jacket surface (13), and a bottom side (16) and a face side (15). Intended break zones (20) are arranged on the cartridge (10) surface to be opened, wherein the intended break zones are opened by the explosive pressure of a propellant charge (12) situated inside the cartridge (10). For the improvement of such cartridges (10), the intended break zone (20) is formed by weakened zones (21) extending from a center (22, 22') and therefrom forming the shape of a star. The invention also relates to a device for firing a propellant charge situated within a cartridge, in particular for setting tools. The device comprises a housing with a therein disposed chamber for receiving a cartridge with a propellant charge, a hollow space connected with the chamber by at least one opening, in which a piston is moveably guided and which is translated by the expanding gases of a fired propellant charge from one position in proximity to the chamber to a position distant therefrom. To improve such a device, a spike or conical element can be arranged on the bottom side of the chamber arranged opposite the face side of the cartridge, the tapered end of the spike or cone facing towards the face side of the cartridge and projecting into the inner space of the chamber. |