Abstract: A method for the preparation of a biodegradable polyamide-based composition comprising glycine substantially uniformly dispersed into a polyamide matrix, the method comprising: first mixing more than 2 weight percent glycine, at least one polyamide-producing monomer, and optionally water or other additives, to form a suspension wherein the glycine is substantially uniformly dispersed therein; then polymerizing the at least one polyamide-producing monomer with the glycine substantially uniformly dispersed in situ to provide a polyamide matrix wherein the glycine remains substantially uniformly dispersed in the resulting polyamide matrix to form the biodegradable polyamide-based composition.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of a polyamide-based composition provides for the substantially uniform dispersion of particulate silica and, optionally, mineral oil and any other lubricant additive, within a polyamide matrix. The method includes mixing particulate silica, and optionally, mineral oil and other lubricant additives, to one or more polyamide-producing monomers, and water, to form an emulsion or suspension wherein the particulate silica (and mineral oil and other lubricant additives, when added) are substantially uniformly dispersed therein, and then in situ polymerizing the monomer(s) to provide a polyamide matrix wherein the particulate silica, and optional mineral oil and other optional lubricant additives, remain substantially uniformly dispersed in the resulting polyamide matrix to form the polyamide-based composition.

Abstract: A base insert for a cartridge case comprises a base end having a lip and a groove proximate the lip and having a primer pocket defined in the base end and an insert end having a base wall and a cylindrical wall extending there from, the base wall and cylindrical wall defining a powder fill pocket. The base wall has a flash hole disposed therein and an inner surface facing the powder fill pocket. The cylindrical wall has an inner surface intersecting with the inner surface of the base wall and an outer surface defining the outer circumference of the base insert. The intersection of the inner surface of the base wall and the inner surface of the cylindrical wall is curved or forms an oblique angle, while the outer surface of the insert end is not curved and does not form an oblique angle.