Introduction to the .50-90 Cartridge
The .50-90 Sharps cartridge is a venerable round that harks back to the era of buffalo hunting and the Wild West. This mammoth caliber has often been the subject of much lore and has left an indelible mark on American firearms history. From its black powder origins to the modern applications that still demand its presence, the .50-90 is a blend of raw power, traditional values, and unwavering dependability. So let's dive right into the nitty-gritty details of this American classic.
Cartridge and Bullet Types and Dimensions
The .50-90 Sharps, as the name suggests, features a .50 caliber bullet and originally held 90 grains of black powder. The bullet diameter is actually around .512 inches, but as was the custom of the era, the name is rounded to .50. The case length of the .50-90 varies slightly depending on the manufacturer but usually ranges between 2.5 to 2.6 inches. The overall length of the loaded cartridge can reach up to 3.25 inches. A few variations exist, such as the .50-90-2 1/2”, the .50-90-2 5/8”, and the .50-100-2 1/2”. The first two numbers designate the caliber and the original powder charge, and the last number describes the case length in inches.
Bullet types for the .50-90 include lead cast bullets, with or without a gas check, and modern jacketed bullets. Bullet weights can vary widely, with most commercially available options ranging from 300 grains to an astonishing 700 grains. The heavier bullets are preferred for long-range accuracy and energy retention, which is a nod to the cartridge's original design purpose.
Powder Loads
Initially, the .50-90 was loaded with 90 grains of black powder, as denoted in its name. However, modern reloaders often use smokeless powders, such as IMR 3031 and IMR 4198, to achieve similar or better ballistics. Loading data for these powders typically ranges between 70 and 85 grains, but it's crucial to consult reliable reloading manuals to avoid over-pressuring the cartridge. For those wishing to remain traditional, authentic black powder loads can still be assembled, but special care must be taken due to the hygroscopic nature of black powder.
History and Performance
The .50-90 came into existence in the late 1870s and quickly gained notoriety as a buffalo cartridge. It was an evolution of previous large-caliber Sharps cartridges and was designed to offer even greater range and hitting power. Developed for the iconic Sharps Model 1874, this round was often chosen by professional buffalo hunters who required a cartridge with enough gumption to bring down a 2,000-pound animal at extended distances. The 19th-century American West was a harsh and unforgiving landscape, and the .50-90's dependable performance contributed to its near-legendary status.
The cartridge offers a muzzle energy ranging from 3,000 to over 4,000 foot-pounds, depending on the bullet weight and powder charge. At the time of its introduction, it was one of the most potent cartridges available and could reach out to 1,000 yards with reasonable accuracy, particularly when fired from rifles equipped with vernier tang sights.
Firearms
The most famous firearm chambered for the .50-90 is undoubtedly the Sharps Model 1874. The single-shot, falling-block design of the Sharps made it ideally suited for heavy and powerful cartridges. The rifle's robust construction and precision engineering made it a favored choice among marksmen and big game hunters of the era.
Today, companies like Shiloh Sharps and C. Sharps Arms continue to produce modern replicas of the Model 1874, often with enhanced materials and updated manufacturing techniques but still true to the original design. In addition, various single-shot, custom rifles chambered in .50-90 are produced by custom gunsmiths for those who demand the utmost in quality and performance.
What Superseded It and Current Use
With the advent of smokeless powder and advancements in firearms technology, cartridges like the .50 BMG and various other magnum rounds have outclassed the .50-90 in terms of velocity and energy. However, the .50-90 has not vanished into the annals of history. It enjoys a cult following among enthusiasts of single-shot rifles and is revered in the disciplines of silhouette shooting and long-range black powder cartridge competitions.
Hunters who pursue large game in North America also employ the .50-90, relishing its ability to deliver a decisive, one-shot kill. While it's not the most practical option for every application, there's something to be said about the experience of using such a historically significant round.
So there it is, the .50-90 Sharps: a cartridge that played a role in taming the American West, feeding a growing nation, and satisfying the marksmen who sought a high level of performance combined with a touch of nostalgia. It's more than just a piece of history; it's a living testament to an era when cartridges were designed to meet challenges as broad as the landscape they were used in.
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