Drum help

Shop deals on ebay
the hawken shop
Muzzleloading Forum

Help Support Muzzleloading Forum:

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.
Gtrubicon

Gtrubicon

50 Cal.
Joined
Jun 19, 2021
Messages
1,412
Reaction score
2,467
Hello,Last week I received a brand new 32 cal barrel made by Ed Rayl. It’s 3/4” across the flats and has a breach plug installed. I want to install a powder drum and build a percussion rifle. My question is, does anyone make a drum smaller than 7/16” diameter to fit such a small barrel? I’m going to order a Davis Goulcher lock without provision for a drum so i can file to fit. 7/16 diameter powder drums are readily available, would that look ok on this barrel? The flats of the barrel are right at 5/16”. It’s ready to draw file and finish. The stock is also on its way, I ordered a Vincent style half stock from Pecatonica, I only had them inlet the barrel channel and ramrod. I have looked and have not found much in the way of smaller powder drums. Any leads or advice is much appreciated.
 

Attachments

  • A10C4C42-9D4B-4186-964A-AC05718B51D7.jpeg
    A10C4C42-9D4B-4186-964A-AC05718B51D7.jpeg
    2.3 MB
Any one who can run a lathe can make a drum. The problem you may run into by making a smaller one is that it will be too small to hold the nipple. I'd just install the drum you have and not worry about it being a little larger than the barrel flat. It sounds like you're starting off on a neat project.
 
I’m looking forward to getting going on it. I should have the stock in 2 weeks, I’m going to place an order today at Track for some of the little stuff. I’m going to make my own trigger guard, toe plate, side plate and such.
 
I like all the suggestions, thanks. I ordered a 1/2’ drum. I like the idea of filing a flat for the nipple and possible shaping it some.
 
Another question, what nipple size should I thread the drum for, I’d like it to be set up for nipples that are readily available. I was thinking 1/4x28. What say you?
 
Gtrubicon said:
Another question, what nipple size should I thread the drum for, I’d like it to be set up for nipples that are readily available. I was thinking 1/4x28. What say you?
Click to expand...
1/4 x 28 for Thompson Center is a short shank nipple both top and bottom. They are commonly available in box stores.
 
This is an interesting project. Looking forward to following along. Must be planning on it being pretty heavy with needing casters!
 
Last edited:
I see pics of lots of quality custom rifles where the edge of the drum is above the corner of the octagon barrel - where the drum meets the barrel. Looks OK to me and I'd rather have a nice thick drum with full nipple threads than a small one that is thinner.
 

Similar threads

H
Pistol barrel from old rifle barrel.
Replies
19
Views
587
ChuckJonesWagon
C
1BadDart
LH Thread drum?
Replies
5
Views
446
1BadDart
1BadDart
A
Which powder drum
Replies
18
Views
1K
Antelope Pete
A
M
FOR SALE Pistol kit FS
Replies
3
Views
1K
skoda
S
Hydro-Operator
Is this a common barrel measurement?
Replies
5
Views
302
2 shots
2

Latest posts

Back
Top