Drum brake weights interfering with cragar ss wheels

You hit the nail on the head.

What I can't understand is how they can cast a drum and it be so much out of Ballance that it requires 2 - 2" long 3/8" thick weights

I had just one of those on a front drum way back. A spot weld on either end holding it on. It practically fell off for me. Two rears recently purchased had none at all.
I didn't check mine then, but it might be interesting to know how much runout your uncut outer drum displays. Maybe an off center condition is causing the imbalance. After that what's left? The casting density?