They make various dollies specifically for 55 gallon barrels. There are a bunch of different brands and price points. These are the ones I've got.
The short response to that question is "Because it's easier to just buy them". The longer response would be how I don't think I could make a caster base out of wood that I would be confident in to hold ~470 lbs of weight, that would also be short and narrow enough to fit in the spot I need it to fit. Welded steel was the way to go, by my assessment.
I got these, although when I bought them they were on sale for $54 apiece.
Looks like someone else is selling something nearly identical now for about $40. I might have to pick up a few more!