A tape cartridge having a low stress tape cartridge leader and cartridge leader shock absorption system for improved reliability. The tape cartridge includes a cartridge housing and a supply reel rotatably connected within the cartridge housing. The supply reel includes a magnetic tape media spooled thereon that is terminated at one end by a tape cartridge leader. The tape cartridge leader includes a connector to attach the leader to a tape-handling device. The tape cartridge also includes a cartridge leader stop formed in the cartridge housing. The cartridge leader stop includes a shock absorbing material to absorb impact forces between the cartridge leader stop and the tape cartridge leader. In another embodiment of the invention, the cartridge leader is configured to uniformly contact the respective portions of the cartridge housing, e.g. the leader stop, to reduce stress concentration points and the overall working load on the leader.