A cartridge case and cartridge arrangement and method in which a base is joined along an annular intermating chevron-shaped joint with a sleeve. In the illustrated and preferred embodiment the base is metal and the sleeve is glass-fiber-reinforced plastic. The case has a propellant, projectile, and a percussive primer. A plurality of circumferentially spaced vent holes are formed in the plastic sleeve along a portion of the chevron joint as an aid to reducing excessive interface friction loads at the chevron joint during firing of the cartridge. A less preferred modification and mode of practice of the invention is disclosed in which the base is formed of plastic material or a composite glass-plastic or other composite plastic material, and the sleeve is formed of metal. A further less preferred modification and mode of practice is disclosed in which both the sleeve and the base are formed of similar materials.