A superconducting magnet and method for making a superconducting magnet are presented. The superconducting magnet is made by forming a coil from windings of a first wire comprising a reacted MgB2 monofilament, filling a cavity of a stainless steel billet with a Mg+B powder. Monofilament ends of the first wire and a similar second wire are sheared at an acute angle and inserted into the billet. A copper plug configured to partially fill the billet cavity is inserted into the billet cavity. A portion of the billet adjacent to the plug and the wires is sealed with a ceramic paste.