FWIW: These were 6x fired cases that I'd originally bought back in `91 and just recently pulled outta the cabinet to begin working up loads after a barrel change. At the time I was using RCBS standard dies and the expander ball was a bear to get back out unless I'd heavily brushed/cleaned the mouths with motor-mica. Even then the doggoned thing "squeeked" upon withdrawl -- which should have told me right then that the neck had fire/work-hardened.

So after 6th firing and neck splits (2 outta ten), I bit the bullet and got the Tempilaq (and their case holders) from Hornaday to do what you see above on the remaining 70+ cases.

They're now on their 10th firing, and I'll anneal again after the next cycle to (apparently) just keep going. (Primer pockets good and very little stretch since I now use Redding neck/bushing dies.)

Having used this on other cases where I still use RCBS expander balls (e.g., M1icon, etc) the necks are dramatically easier to expand without complaining as the brass is no longer over-brittle/stiff.

Other folks may prefer to pitch the brass after necks split and that's an easily defendable decision. But old cases are like old friends to me -- take care of them an they'll take care of me long after others have hit the recycle bin.