The .45-90 Sharps cartridge is a large-caliber, black powder rifle cartridge. It was introduced in the late 19th century and is typically associated with the Sharps rifles, which were popular among buffalo hunters and long-distance shooters. The ".45-90" designation refers to the bullet diameter (.45 inch) and the amount of black powder (90 grains) originally used in the cartridge.
This cartridge was favored for its long-range accuracy and stopping power, making it suitable for big game hunting and target shooting. The typical bullet weight for the .45-90 ranges from 300 to 500 grains. It was well-regarded for its ability to deliver substantial energy to the target, necessary for hunting large animals like bison.
In modern times, the .45-90 Sharps is often used by enthusiasts of historical firearms and black powder cartridge shooting competitions, where it continues to demonstrate impressive accuracy and power.
Overall, the .45-90 Sharps cartridge is a testament to the engineering of the late 19th century, maintaining a niche following among vintage firearm collectors and hunters.