An explosive powder charge operated fastening element setting device includes a housing supporting a handle. A damping unit is arranged between the handle and the housing so that the handle is displaceable in the setting direction of the setting device against a force developed in the damping device. A fastening element guide is mounted in the housing for movement opposite to the setting direction against a spring force. The force of the damping unit is greater than the spring force. The damping unit includes a cylinder containing a first fluid medium acting on a piston pressing, outside the cylinder, against the housing with a second fluid medium within the cylinder pressurizing the first fluid medium.