How to remove an oil barrel from the basement?

Thing weighs a ton. May not be completely empty, and is rusting. I'm concerned that it may be a time bomb. No one around to help with this. Do I dare take a sawsall to it? Fill it with foam after draining it of course. I should be able to drill a hole in it if I can't remove the plug. Or would it be better to use something like a hammer and an ax and cut it open like a big can?