Breech plug timing

[old ugly]

Another dumb question.
I’m doing a new plug in a used barrel.
I did the history search on this topic to see if I’m on the rite track and this is what I got.

Fitting the breech plug by,
threading the barrel to the correct depth, then bluing the inner end of the plug to see when it seats. Then adjust the tang to the flats fitment by filing little by little on the plug end, the barrel end and the tang surface until it seats and the flats are aligned
Any different thoughts on how this alignment is achieved?
Thanks
Ou
Tom

 

[tenngun]

One of the difficult things is since you have a used barrel you also need to make sure the top flat of the tang alines with the top of the barrel. So you may have to file into the tang also. Lots of touchy- feely work there.
Cheap red lipstick works as well as Prussian blue.

 

[old ugly]

Awsum!
The barrel is completely cleaned off with no specific orientation, it’ll be one less thing to worry about.
I’m checking to see if I’m on the rite track.
Thank you
Ou
Tom

 

[Rifleman1776]

There was an excellent article in Muzzle Blasts many years ago on how to properly fit a breech plug. The inner plug must meet the end of the threads inside perfectly, the outer flats must line up perfectly with the tang side up perfectly. I'm sure his formula would work for a machinist that has experience and tools for the job. Personally, anyone less than expert should pay to have this done. When I had my ml shop I chose the H&A line of ml rifle because their breech plug set-up was simple and goof-proof. The plug was simply a large stainless steel Allen screw. The tang fit into the plug end. Simple and strong. An improperly fit breech plug can be a dangerous proposition.

 

[Metalshaper]

There was an excellent article in Muzzle Blasts many years ago on how to properly fit a breech plug. The inner plug must meet the end of the threads inside perfectly, the outer flats must line up perfectly with the tang side up perfectly. I'm sure his formula would work for a machinist that has experience and tools for the job. Personally, anyone less than expert should pay to have this done. When I had my ml shop I chose the H&A line of ml rifle because their breech plug set-up was simple and goof-proof. The plug was simply a large stainless steel Allen screw. The tang fit into the plug end. Simple and strong. An improperly fit breech plug can be a dangerous proposition.

if you have a lathe.. turn a piece of bar stock that is just bigger than your ACF measurement.. then turn/ thread a journal and fit that to your barrel.
then you can file in the flats, and make the tang.. Easy peasy as they say???

Respect Always
Metalshaper/Jonathan

 

[old ugly]

if you have a lathe.. turn a piece of bar stock that is just bigger than your ACF measurement.. then turn/ thread a journal and fit that to your barrel.
then you can file in the flats, and make the tang.. Easy peasy as they say???

Respect Always
Metalshaper/Jonathan

I have the tang but this sounds like the way to go, that way I don't have to time the flats. I do have a lathe, i can make the part but the lathe is 1880's and has no threading gearing but I have dies. may give it a go, never even thought of doing this.
thank
ou
tom

 

[Metalshaper]

I have the tang but this sounds like the way to go, that way I don't have to time the flats. I do have a lathe, i can make the part but the lathe is 1880's and has no threading gearing but I have dies. may give it a go, never even thought of doing this.
thank
ou
tom

well my lathe is a Craftsman/Dunlop AA 109 ( 1960-ish ).. Some would say its no better than an 1880's lathe

Respect Always
Metalshaper/Jonathan

 

[old ugly]

I installed the breech plug into a 45 cal pistol barrel, (gonna be a Kentucky style pistol), I have it fitted and timed perfect. BUT now am second guessing the length of the plug. the internal length of the plug is .600" which is quite long and will result in the touchhole being quite far forward of the end of the barrel.
what length are pistol breech plugs and should I remove it and shorten it?