Abstract: A drum assembly for a wire coil comprising a paperboard drum with a paperboard bottom assembly including a bottom heading with a fixed length flexible strap extending diametrically thereacross and including an axially projecting loop. The loop is surrounded by an annular disc which overlies the end portions of the strap and is affixed to the bottom heading. The bottom heading assembly mounts to the lower open end of the drum. After the coil is received in the drum, the coil is overlaid by a diametrically extending bar which is compressively engaged against the upper end of the coil by an elastomeric cord engaged between the bottom strap loop and the bar.