Starting a long term project on a Stevens 44 rifle. Origanally in .25-20, I have been considering rebarreling into .32 H&R Mag. Should be fun for short range plinking. Would another caliber make better sense?

Al,   

I like classic calibers as well as the next guy (at least if the next guy's initials aren't "HST" )But the conversion you mention IS pretty reasonable and very similar to the old Ballard .32 extra long.  Anyway, if it's what makes YOU happy...

If you go back through the various threads in the various "rooms" of this forum, you will find a veritable treasure trove of discussion about the .32 Mag as a rifle cartridge candidate.  8) I am one of the loudest proponents of this very thing, and even though I am between .32s at the moment as a result of a new infatuation that had to be satisfied, never fear!  I've got one more low-wall that may turn up yet with a .32 Mag barrel on it.    

I think you will find .32 Mag to be a dandy application for that Stevens 44, making it a real fun rifle to shoot.  Another bonus...in Winchester, at least, the extractor for the .25-20 SS and the various .32 pistol cases is the same...you probably won't even have to change extractors!    If the existing barrel is OK on the outside, you might even consider having it rebored to .311" and rechambered for the .32 Mag.  Just a thought. 

Froggie