| CPC F42C 19/083 (2013.01) [F42B 5/307 (2013.01)] | 19 Claims | 

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               1. A multi-piece primer insert configured for use as a base in a polymer ammunition cartridge, the multi-piece insert comprising: 
            an upper primer insert having a cylindrical coupling element extending from a bottom surface to a tip and forming a cup, and an upper aperture defined through the bottom surface; 
                a lower primer insert engaged to the upper primer insert at an insert joint, the lower primer insert having a sidewall defining an internal primer recess, the sidewall extending from a connecting tab proximate the insert joint to an opposite end forming an extraction flange, and a lower aperture defined through the connecting tab and concentrically aligned with the upper aperture; and 
                a connecting member configured to secure the upper primer insert to the lower primer insert, the connecting member having an upper tab extending into the upper primer insert about the upper aperture, the upper tab connected to a lower tab by a sleeve extending through and engaged with the upper aperture and the lower aperture to define a flash hole, wherein the lower tab engaged to the connecting tab forms a part of a top surface of the primer recess and the flash hole links the primer recess to the cup. 
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