The invention relates to a device and a method for contacting a welding wire (13) in a welding torch (10), including at least two contact shells (31) having a contact area (32) for contacting the welding wire (13), and to a contact shell (31) for contacting a welding wire (13). In order to make the contact of the welding wire as constant and permanent as possible during the lifetime of a contacting device, the contact shells (31) have a holding section (48) and are arranged inside a sleeve (37) to define a rotational axis (43), the sleeve (37) being fastened to a nozzle pipe (38) having an integrated pressure mechanism (36), and the pressure mechanism (36) being adapted to exert pressure (33) on the contact shells (31). The sleeve (37) includes a holding device (42) for exerting a counter-force (34) onto the contact shells (31). The welding wire (13) is contacted in the contact area (32) of the contact shells (31) with a contact force (35).