barrel and plug/tang compatibility question

[tiswell]

I plan a build using a barrel made of 1137 steel. I can't find a place that sells small piece of 1137 for the plug. If I make the plug out of a dissimilar steel, is say 1018 strong enough, should I step up to a medium carbon like 1045. My guess is that any of these barrel/plug materials will be vastly superior to original gun barrels, but I thought i would ask before doing something dumb. Also will dissimilar steels like 1018 or 1045 take browning reasonably close to the 1137 barrel material?

                                                                                              Thanks, Bill

[Bob Roller]

I plan a build using a barrel made of 1137 steel. I can't find a place that sells small piece of 1137 for the plug. If I make the plug out of a dissimilar steel, is say 1018 strong enough, should I step up to a medium carbon like 1045. My guess is that any of these barrel/plug materials will be vastly superior to original gun barrels, but I thought i would ask before doing something dumb. Also will dissimilar steels like 1018 or 1045 take browning reasonably close to the 1137 barrel material?

                                                                                              Thanks, Bill

I've made breech plugs from 1018 and it works fine and that
includes bolster type for Hawken and Alex Henry as well as the
more common flint type.Measure the depth of the threads in the barrel and make the plug
about .004 longer so it can seal tightly.There is no chance of it blowing out unless you
have a round ball load tighter than that plug which isn't likely.
Meaure twice,cut once. I don't know about the browning of the plug and barrel and wouldn't
worry about it.

Bob Roller

[tiswell]

Thanks Bob, that is all that I need to hear!