Fitting breech plug

[RebelSon]

     Hey guys, I have started fitting a 5/8x18 flared tang plug to a Rice 13/16" barrel. I've struggled with this before-falling into the new builder state of exasperation where you almost understand what to do next and make successive mistakes.

     At this stage I had felt I'd done well, not going to far, and have landed the bottom of the bolster on the preceding flare from the makers mark, or final position.

     I have been using Prussian Blue on the face of the plug and have maintained excellent transfer indicating that I've effectively sealed the bore.

     Late last night it hit me that as I got closer I should have switched to painting the internal shoulder of the breech face of the barrel. I don't believe it's flare and is slightly dished or slopes from it's outside diameter towards to opening at the bore. I am now concerned what I have is a minimal closure to bore to breech and that this flat surface that seals this area is inadequate as IF some erosion or wear were to take place it now has the ability to wear through the margin of safety or seal rather easily.

     I do extensively read the forums, own the books, watch everything I can. Some sources say to paint the shoulder and others the face of the breech plug. I hope I've hade sense here.

     I've painted the shoulder this morning and again show good deal at the bore, but the breech plug isn't making good contact with the shoulder.

     I would greatly appreciate your input as to my situation and if I need to change what I've done/can it be saved at this point or start over with a new plug.

                             Sincerely,
                                   JD Smith
                         Northwest Washington

[rich pierce]

Looks like yours is fitting just fine. It’s impossible to get 100% transfer. I’m pretty sure it’s not loaded  . Blow on the muzzle like a trumpet while breech is submerged in a coffee can of water. No bubbles? Good to go.

Ok I admit I was trying to see if you’d try it. 

But seriously I think you’ve done very well and should not worry more. I am interested to see what others think.

[Not English]

JD, for my 2 cents, you're over thinking it. Both photo's show good contact and will not be a problem. Make a point of greasing or putting antiseize on the threads when you're done. All I do is use a marking pen on the face of the breach plug when fitting.

Dave

[Dennis Glazener]

You are good to go!
Dennis

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

Your barrel bears a witness mark indicating that it was fitted with a plug...why are you not using the one that came with the barrel?

[RebelSon]

I see I did have a couple typos from the dang autocorrect, but I think someone can decipher what word would make sense in a couple spots.

Everyone in the  world was out of 13/16" barrels..including Rice. They weren't sure when they'd be making them, but I wanted to proceed and place an order, including payment, anyhow. The plug that was fit was a long straight tang when I'd asked for a flared one. I wasn't going to get twisted up over it as they were still great to work with and I received the barrel, to my surprise, rather quickly. If there's someone out there who ordered the plug I got I hope they're forgiving as well. Everyone is doing all they can in all facets of life. I'm just thankful to ha e the barrel.

I have a pre-carve this is going into. It will be my second build. The goal is to improve and, by the sound of it, I have so far on this one.

[Scota4570]

One flat short???  Depends on the bore runout. 

Try sharpie marker.  It is cleaner and is pressure sensitive. 

[RebelSon]

I stopped on flat short in case I needed to adjust course. I'll continue to get it timed. Last two and a half flats have been done slow and cautious using 220 grit paper around a small file.
The boys at Rice used marker. I was a little hesitant although I've heard it and read it before.

Thanks everyone for the feedback. This is my first post anywhere on the forum. I am humbled by everyone's work and participation I see here.

[Not English]

I haven't run across much bore runout with modern barrels. I'd suggest that any machine made barrel is going to be pretty true. When I got started in the late '80's, barrels didn't come with a fitted breechplug. It was suggested that the barrel ID be on the bottom flat, but I found it to be more important to have the ID hidden on the bottom 3 flats. As previously mentioned KISS. It doesn't make any real difference as far as how finely polished the breechplug face is. I use a mill or mill bastard file and leave it at that.

Dave

[RebelSon]

Things are getting very close. I've backed off a little and will get this last ever so little soon. For now I have the bottom of the bolster timed/indexing the bottom flat, but have just a VERY small amount to go.

[577SXS]

The one thing I would suggest is not to use Prussian Blue or any grease based inlet transfer compound. You want something that won't smear and is very thin. I would use smoke, Dykem or a magic marker to mark your surfaces. That being said looks like you did a good job of fitting.

Sam