muzzle_loader, First off Welcome to the Forum! Thanks for taking the time to visit and check out this thread and see what we are interested in. :yeah:
I am a bit on the picky side myself especially when it comes to rifle accuracy. So my comments are just my taste/thoughts. I am also one who has had a .32 custom built and want another but will be more picky how I do it, if I do it and not buy one from a custom run if it is done. So I am very interested in what you might be able to come up with
Like mentioned this .32 is a squirrel rifle, should be light weight (Under 6lb or less pre-scope a must), very accurate (Think head shots) and should carry like a great .22LR.
I personally do not really want a rifle with an alloy frame. I prefer a good Steel/Stainless frame, I personally think that would make the action stiffer over the long haul and that would help accuracy. I have tried some Break actions in other rifles and just never liked them. I had issues with either the Hinge or the barrel lock up causing accuracy issues, so that would always be a concern. Again just my preference.
I am looking at the Traditions Lightning Bolt action for a build. It looks to be slim and light weight and can be #11 or 209 capable. Not sure yet if it is Steel or Alloy, I suspect it is steel. Don't know if Traditions has a Bolt Action option now.
I also am much more interested in a bolt action, second choice would be an action similar to the TC Omega (Still a one piece stock). Third choice is a plunger action. Break actions tend to have a "Long Feel" to me (Distance from Forend to wrist) and just not comfortable for me.
While wood is great, I agree that a composite would be great for 2 reasons, durability and more importantly keep weight down. A good composite can be as much as wood in cost. It should not be a cheap Tupperware stock that is too flexible as it would ruin accuracy. I think I would prefer just Black over camo. LOP no more than 13.5".
It should have a good trigger that is not too heavy (no more than 3lb), preferably adjustable, again goes to accuracy.
Barrel should have a twist of no more than
1 in 30 with a groove depth of .007 to .008 for Patched Round balls (No Sabots for this one). Round is fine with me. The Octagon just adds a little extra to the looks like wood. Barrel length between 22 and 24" no more (Again for Weight). Slim Contour for weight saving. Removable Breech plug, I am fine with one that needs a tool or socket to remove. Stainless or Blued fine with me but a Matte finish that will not easily chip of is good too.
Must be drilled and tapped for scope. I would not use iron sites (I remove them). Some might prefer them so should be available.
One big thing I would recommend is just not asking a MFG to take an off the shelf Production rifle and put a barrel with same contour (as .45 or.50cal) but a .32 bore on it. It would amaze you how much weight you just added to the rifle and can't compensate for with a light weight stock and a light weight "flexible" stock with that barrel config would be a disaster.
I am good with the MSRP of $500 or less but I am one that will go more for a Great Rifle.
Here is my first one. Plunger action. and done for under $500.
8) Just finished up the last I had in the Freezer. 
[/img] I can build this at around that price point,(pre optics) and easily under 6 pounds. This one with straight 28" barrel and optics weighs close to 6#, with a shorter and tapered barrel in .32 should be similar. http://www.modernmuzzleloader.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=26443&hilit=Allen+inline+build
:wink: 
