The .45-90 Winchester cartridge, also known as .45-90 Sharps, was introduced by Winchester in 1886 for use in their Model 1886 lever-action rifle. This cartridge is a black powder round, which means it was originally designed to be loaded with black powder as the propellant.
The .45-90 designation refers to its caliber and the amount of black powder it was designed to hold. Specifically, it is a .45 caliber bullet seated over 90 grains of black powder. The cartridge was primarily used for hunting large game due to its substantial power and ability to deliver heavy bullets.
Typical bullet weights for the .45-90 range from 300 to 500 grains, and the cartridge was capable of achieving significant range and stopping power, making it suitable for taking down large animals such as deer, elk, and even bison.
Today, the .45-90 Winchester is mostly of interest to collectors and enthusiasts of historical firearms, as well as those who participate in Cowboy Action Shooting and historical reenactments. Modern reproductions of rifles chambered for the .45-90 cartridge and reloading supplies are available for those who wish to experience shooting this historic round.