The American buffalo hunting era produced some of the most iconic cartridges ever designed. Three of them – the 45-70 Government, the 45-90 WCF, and the 45-110 Sharps – share the same 0.458-inch bullet diameter but differ in case length, powder capacity, and purpose. Understanding the family relationship between these three rounds helps modern shooters and handloaders make informed choices whether they are chasing steel silhouettes at 500 meters or simply appreciating the history behind these big-bore classics.
All three cartridges are still loaded and fired today, but they live in very different worlds. The 45-70 remains a mainstream hunting and sporting cartridge available at virtually any gun shop. The 45-90 and 45-110 occupy a specialized niche – primarily Black Powder Cartridge Rifle (BPCR) silhouette competition and long-range target shooting. This article breaks down the differences, explains why one survived and the others faded, and helps you decide if stepping beyond the 45-70 makes sense for your shooting.
The 45 Caliber Family Tree at a Glance
The naming convention for these cartridges is straightforward once you understand it. The first number is the caliber (45), and the second number is the standard black powder charge in grains. So a 45-70 uses 70 grains of black powder, a 45-90 uses 90 grains, and a 45-110 uses 110 grains. All three launch the same diameter bullet – 0.458 inches – which means they share projectiles and bullet molds. That shared component base is one reason handloaders find it relatively simple to work with all three.
Here is a quick dimensional comparison:
| Feature | 45-70 Govt | 45-90 WCF | 45-110 Sharps |
|---|---|---|---|
| Case Length | 2.105″ | 2.40″ | 2.63″ |
| BP Charge (grains) | 70 | 90 | 110 |
| Rim Diameter | 0.608″ | 0.608″ | 0.608″ |
| Typical Bullet Weight | 405-500 gr | 500-550 gr | 500-550 gr |
| Primary Use | Military / hunting | Target / hunting | Long-range target / buffalo |
Notice that the rim diameter is the same across all three. The only dimensional difference is the case length, which determines how much powder fits inside. This is the defining characteristic of the family – same bullet, same rim, different fuel tank.
Why Buffalo Hunters Needed More Powder
Professional buffalo hunters on the Great Plains in the 1870s and 1880s were not sportsmen in the modern sense. They were commercial operators who killed bison by the thousands for hides, tongues, and bones. A typical stand – where a hunter positioned downwind and methodically dropped animals without stampeding the herd – demanded a rifle and cartridge combination capable of reliable kills at 200 to 400 yards or more. At those distances, the extra velocity from a larger powder charge made a meaningful difference in trajectory and terminal performance.
The Sharps rifle became the iconic platform for this work precisely because its strong falling-block action could handle the longer, more powerful cartridges. While the 45-70 was the Army’s cartridge – designed for infantry use at moderate ranges with a trapdoor Springfield – the 45-90 and 45-110 were developed for hunters and target shooters who wanted every possible advantage at distance. A 45-110 Sharps pushing a 550-grain paper-patched bullet could reach out to ranges that the 45-70 struggled with, and on the open prairie, that extra reach meant money in the hunter’s pocket.
How the 45-70 Outlasted Its Big Brothers
The 45-70’s survival comes down to one word – standardization. When the U.S. Army adopted the 45-70 Government in 1873 for the Springfield trapdoor rifle, it guaranteed decades of government-funded production, millions of rounds of ammunition, and a massive surplus supply that flooded the civilian market. Winchester chambered the 45-70 in lever-action rifles. Marlin followed. By the time smokeless powder arrived in the 1890s, the 45-70 had such deep commercial roots that manufacturers kept producing it even as dozens of other black powder cartridges disappeared.
The 45-90 and 45-110 never had that institutional support. They were chambered primarily in single-shot rifles – Sharps, Remington rolling blocks, and Winchester High Walls – that fell out of mainstream favor once repeating rifles dominated the market. When Sharps went bankrupt in 1881, the primary platform for the 45-110 lost its manufacturer. The 45-90 held on slightly longer through Winchester’s High Wall rifles, but by 1920, both cartridges were effectively obsolete in commercial terms. They survived only because dedicated target shooters and collectors kept them alive, hand-loading their own ammunition with carefully maintained brass and bullet molds passed down through generations.
Common Mistakes With 45-90 and 45-110
Shooters stepping into these larger cartridges for the first time often stumble on a few predictable issues. Here are the most common mistakes to watch for:
- Assuming any 45-70 load data applies. The cases are different lengths. Powder charges, compression ratios, and overall cartridge length all change. Always use data specific to the cartridge you are loading.
- Using smokeless powder loads designed for 45-70 in a 45-90 or 45-110 case. The larger case volume changes pressure dynamics significantly. These cartridges were designed for black powder, and that is what most serious shooters use in them.
- Neglecting proper bullet lubrication. Black powder fouling builds fast. A poorly lubricated cast bullet will lead a bore in just a few shots, destroying accuracy. Use a quality black powder bullet lube and apply it generously.
- Buying a reproduction rifle without understanding pressure limits. Not all Sharps reproductions are built to the same standard. Italian reproductions and American-made rifles from Shiloh Sharps or C. Sharps Arms may have different pressure ratings and steel quality.
- Forming 45-90 or 45-110 brass from 45-70 cases. This does not work – you cannot stretch a shorter case into a longer one. Brass must be sourced specifically for the cartridge or formed from longer parent cases. Starline and Bertram are common sources.
- Skipping the drop tube. When loading black powder, a drop tube – typically 24 to 30 inches long – helps settle the powder charge uniformly in the case. Skipping this step leads to inconsistent compression and poor accuracy.
BPCR Silhouette – Picking the Right 45
BPCR silhouette shooting is the primary competitive home for the 45-90 and 45-110 today. In this discipline, shooters fire at large steel animal silhouettes – chickens at 200 meters, pigs at 300, turkeys at 385, and rams at 500 meters – using rifles loaded with black powder or approved substitutes like Pyrodex. The 45-70 is perfectly legal and competitive at the closer targets, but at 500 meters, the additional velocity and flatter trajectory of the 45-90 give it a noticeable edge. The 45-110 offers even more, though the increased recoil and powder cost make it less popular than the 45-90 for most competitors.
If you are considering getting into BPCR silhouette, here is a quick checklist to guide your decision:
- Starting out? A 45-70 in a quality single-shot rifle is the most practical entry point. Brass and load data are widely available.
- Competing seriously at 500 meters? The 45-90 WCF is the sweet spot – more powder capacity without the punishing recoil of the 45-110.
- Already own a Sharps reproduction? Check what chambering it accepts before buying components.
- Budget for brass? 45-90 and 45-110 brass costs significantly more than 45-70 brass. Plan to anneal and reuse cases many times.
- Comfortable casting your own bullets? BPCR shooting almost demands it. Look for quality bullet molds in the 500 to 550 grain range with designs intended for black powder lubrication.
- Have a source for black powder? Availability varies by region. Confirm you can legally purchase and store black powder in your area before committing to these cartridges.
- Willing to clean thoroughly after every session? Black powder is corrosive. Bore care after shooting is not optional – it is mandatory.
Quick Takeaways
- The 45-70, 45-90, and 45-110 share the same bullet diameter and rim size – only case length and powder capacity differ.
- The 45-70 survived because of U.S. Army adoption and lever-action rifle chamberings that kept it commercially viable.
- The 45-90 is the most popular choice for serious BPCR silhouette competitors shooting at 500 meters.
- All three cartridges require black powder-specific loading techniques including drop tubes and proper bullet lubrication.
- Reproduction rifles from makers like Shiloh Sharps, C. Sharps Arms, and Pedersoli are the primary modern platforms for 45-90 and 45-110.
FAQ – 45-70 vs 45-90 and 45-110 Basics
Can I shoot 45-70 ammo in a rifle chambered for 45-90 or 45-110?
No. While the bullet and rim dimensions are the same, the shorter 45-70 case will not headspace properly in a longer chamber. This creates a dangerous gap between the case mouth and the chamber throat. Always use ammunition matched to your rifle’s chambering.
Is factory ammunition available for 45-90 and 45-110?
In very limited quantities. A few specialty manufacturers produce loaded ammunition, but the vast majority of 45-90 and 45-110 shooters are handloaders. If you are not set up to reload, these cartridges are not practical choices.
How much does 45-90 or 45-110 brass cost?
Expect to pay roughly two to four times what 45-70 brass costs per case. Starline offers 45-90 brass at reasonable prices when it is in stock. Bertram brass from Australia is another option, though shipping adds cost. Careful annealing and reloading practices can extend case life significantly.
Can I use smokeless powder in a 45-90 or 45-110?
Some modern reproduction rifles are rated for smokeless loads, but this requires specific load data from a reputable source and a thorough understanding of pressure limits. Most BPCR competitors and traditionalists use black powder exclusively. If you want to shoot smokeless, the 45-70 in a modern action like a Ruger No. 1 or Marlin 1895 is a far better choice.
What is the effective range advantage of 45-90 over 45-70?
With carefully loaded black powder ammunition using a 500-grain cast bullet, the 45-90 gains roughly 100 to 150 fps over the 45-70. At 500 meters, this translates to a noticeably flatter trajectory and a few more foot-pounds of energy at the target. The difference is meaningful in competition but modest in absolute terms.
Do I need a special rifle to shoot 45-110?
Yes. The 45-110 requires a strong single-shot action with a chamber cut specifically for the 2.63-inch case. Sharps reproductions from Shiloh Sharps and C. Sharps Arms are the most common platforms. If you are shopping for a rifle, look for features like a properly heat-treated action, a quality barrel from a known maker, and documented pressure ratings from the manufacturer.
