How a mortar works?

[Targan]

Originally Posted by jester

I would also add that the sabots would for the mortar reduce its range and accuracy.

And yes, they would be burnt and cracked in the initial firing, and as was stated them falling from so far, or hitting the ground at any speed they would be cracked, chipped, dented and in pretty sad shape.

I reckon a viable alternative to wood for the sabots would be something along the lines of paper mache. Much easier and quicker to produce and much lighter (always a good feature in a sabot). Expanding foam or carved styrofoam would be even better but not necessarilly as easy to find the raw materials.