We are developing a small-sized superconducting magnetic energy storge ($mu$SMES) magnet with the storage capacity of a few megajoules, which provides electric power with high quality to sensitive electric loads. A kA class superconductor with a high coppe $r^erconductor ratio was selected as a candidate conductor. The superconductor was tested in two points of view, which are basic and important in development of the $mu$SMES magnet. First, stabilities of the superconductor against localized disturbances such as wire motions were estimated by using a wire heater. Second, the quench current characteristics for different charge rates were also tested. The stability data showed that the short heat pulses made the conductor more unstable. The superconductor had relatively high recovery currents ranging between 40% and 50% of its critical currents. The quench tests indicated that the quench currents of the conductor were independent of current ramp rates up to 3000 A/s and nearly equal to its cuitical current data.ta.