A cartridge for non-lethal applications comprises a posterior portion 1 which extends axially to provide a cylindrical casing. An anterior portion comprises of a nose portion 2 with a centrally located recess 8 for receiving a projectile, and an axially extending piston 3 which is slidably engaged in the chamber defined by the cylindrical casing 1. A posterior primer 4 is located to the end of the posterior portion which is most distal to the nose portion 2. An anterior primer 5 sits just behind the recess 8 of the nose portion 2. A plastic striker is located in the chamber defined by the cylindrical casing 1 and comprises of a sealing flange portion 6 and striking nose portion 7. The striking nose portion 7 locates snugly but slidably in a second chamber provided axially within the piston 3. In use, the posterior primer 4 releases gaseous product which drives the striker 7 against the anterior primer 5 while simultaneously causing telescopic extension of the cartridge which in turn results in recycling of a host firearm.