I just had the good fortune to make purchase of a Stevens 44 1/2 in 32-40 that is in better than 95% condition. This fine example of a Stevens is one of the few that are still around that hasn't been fooled with, and I don't plan to change a thing, however I do plan to shoot it. I have a Stevens 44 in 32-40 that I've been shooting now for a few years and I'm very pleased with it, but the lever lock up is starting to get a little lighter than what I'd like. So I plan to start shooting the 44 1/2. 
   In the 44 I shoot 12.5 grains of IMR4227 and a SAECO #632 cast bullet. It is shooting very accurate. However I know it is a very light load and I plan to keep it that way in the 44. I would like to hear suggestions for a powder and charge weight for use in my 44 1/2 32-40. I measure the twist rate at 1 turn in 16". The bore in this rifle appears to be in very good condition. I have inspected it with a bore scope and it is bright and shinny with sharp lands.  Pushing a tight fitting patch through it provides an consistently smooth tight feel from throat to muzzle. in my opinion it should be a shooter! 
    Not looking to make a 32-40 Swift, but would like to have a load with a little more speed than I getting with my aforementioned load. 
     Have not test fired this rifle yet but plan to next week.
     Also plan to test fire my 44 in 32-40 beyond 200 yards in the near future. We have a 500 yard range at our shooting house and think it will be interesting to try some longer range tests.

                                     Sendaro

I use 14.3gr of 4227 and a 200gr Hoch  "Darr" bullet breach seated.

Boats,
          Thanks for the information and advise. I don't have a mold for 200 grain bullets at this point. I have the SAECO #632 bullet (172 grain from 25 to 1 mix) mold and have been shooting that bullet in my Stevens 44 in 32-40. That bullet has been shooting rather well in that old org. 44. However, I hear that a 200 grain bullet is better for distance and 200 yard accuracy. I plan to do some testing with the SAECO #632 before buying a 200 grain mold. Seems like a lot of the serious shooters are all going to custom molds with pointed bullets and three grease grooves. 

                                     Sendaro

A lot of the Stevens had .319 grooves and most bullet molds to day are for .321 grooves. The accuracy may fall of quite a bit as you get to past more than a .002 base band fit.

It sounds like a very nice rifle, we always encourage pictures

Frank

Frank,
          going to post some photos of the 44 1/2 over the in the photo section.
                          Sendaro