drum thread size

[patkinson]

Building a 32 cal(13/16 oct) percussion pistol.  Would a drum(7/16 X .250 thread) be suitable.   Thanks   Phil

[Natureboy]

  I just checked the list of drums and taps from TOTW, and the smaller drums seem to be 5/16-24 and 5/16-18.  Then it's 3/8-24 and 3/8-16.  The list accompanied the drum, taps and nipple-drilling gizmo from when I replaced the drum on my 50 cal "Hawken."

[L. Akers]

I use a .500 dia. drum with a 3/8 x 24 thread.   

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

I'd use a drum whose thread journal was the same size as the width of the flat into which it screws, and use a fine thread.  1/4" is definitely not it.
I'd use a blank drum too.  Be sure that the threads are cut to the shoulder of the drum, and countersink the barrel just enough.  Run the drum in until it is firm without stretching the journal.  Then drill and tap for the nipple.  A large drum barrel will give you full nipple thread depth...

[seniorsgt]

I use 5/16 x 24 in a 1/2 inch drum if your going with a 7/16th drum check the notch in the lock plate if its 1/2 inch you can snap the drum at the barrel cause it wont be supported right(talking from experience on 1st build

[David Rase]

I bought a 5/16"x32 die earlier this year and make my own drums as Taylor does.  The reason I bought the 5/16"x32 die was I had a customer who had me build him a percussion rifle and I knew he would change his mind and want a flintlock so I was able to pull the drum and install a white lightning touch hole liner.  The customer finally broke down from all the "flint shaming" he received and the gun is now a flintlock. 
Even if I could buy a 1/4"x28 drum I would not trust it to keep the tiny passage way from clogging up.  5/16" is a minimum as far as I am concerned.
David

[Bob Roller]

One more thing. NEVER use a drum and nipple on a rifle made for 1000 yard
guns that launch a 500+ grain bullet with over 70 grains of black powder.
If the drum blows out it might create a fatality or terrible injury to the shooter
next to you.

Bob Roller