If the temper of the brass is poor and leads to split neck cases, what should a reloader do for the remainder of the cartridges?

When the brass exhibits poor temper and leads to issues such as split neck cases, annealing is an effective solution for the remainder of the cartridges. Annealing involves heating the brass to a specific temperature and then allowing it to cool slowly, which helps to relieve internal stresses and restore ductility. This process makes the brass less brittle, reducing the likelihood of case splits during subsequent firings.

In this context, applying heat to the brass changes its mechanical properties, allowing for better deformation without cracking or splitting. This is particularly important in areas of the case that experience substantial flexing, like the neck, which is critical for maintaining a proper seal with the projectile.

The other approaches, such as crimping or resizing, might provide temporary fixes but don't address the underlying issue of temper in the brass. Discarding all cases would be excessive when a more viable solution, like annealing, can extend the life and reliability of the ammunition without the cost and waste associated with disposal. Hence, the best response to mitigate the issue with split neck cases is to anneal the remainder of the brass.