Yup, my eight gauge hammer gun had lead in the butt that cracked the wood. I drilled out the plug and repaired the crack. The plug will only come out without drilling if the hole is perfect or tapered toward the opening.

CHE
 

Floor plate creature

CHE
 

I may just drill out most of center which should relieve any possible pressure in future. Thanks.

I have seen two stocks split that had lead plugs in them. Not sure I would bet on drilling the center out, as it is the oxidation on the outside of the lead plug against the wood that causes the expansion.

Yup, after drilling out as much of the center as possible, drill a hole that includes an edge of the plug as well as a bit of wood, leaving room for the plug to move.

The guy that donated the money for the John Paul Jones Arena at
UVA sold a GH 8 gauge I think it was at a Rock Island or
morphy’s auction a few years ago that had corroded and split the stock . Looked to be an easy enough fix if they got the majority of the lead out . If it were mine after they got the wood crack fixed I’d have replaces the lead with a brass rod .

Plug
 

Well got it out but wasn’t easy, apparently they drilled two angled holes in one forming a slight Y hole. Drilled out as much as possible but had to take remainder out a little at a time. To boot it had a little tab on end.

Ironically the gun now is balanced precisely on hinge pin,

That is beautiful.

Beautiful C's. The advice on the lead was educational. I've got a VHE 20 30" 2 7/8" with a straight grip that has a lead filled hole drilled under the trigger guard and angled towards the butt that has oxidization. I better pull that one out and check it. Thanks.