A single use setting tool and associated method for actuating a tool in a wellbore may include an inner piston with an annular wall defining a piston cavity. A portion of the inner piston including the piston cavity may be positioned within a central bore of an outer sleeve, and the inner piston and the outer sleeve may be slidable relative to one another. A portion of the inner piston may extend beyond an end of the outer sleeve and have a shock absorbing wedge positioned thereon, and the end of the outer sleeve may have a cutout for receiving the shock absorbing wedge. A bi-directional gas-generating power charge may be positioned in the piston cavity and include a power charge having a booster positioned in an indentation adjacent each of a first end and a second end of the power charge.