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Lindcott Armory

Cartridge comparison

.50-70 Government vs .50-90 Sharps

.50-70 Government and .50-90 Sharps are both in the reference; see the full spec comparison below.

Side by side

.50-70 Government.50-90 Sharps
TypeRifleRifle
Introduced18661872
Bullet diameter0.515″0.515″
Case length1.772″2.5051″
Max pressure22,000 psi22,000 psi
Recoil18–28 ft·lb
Effective range400 yd300 yd

Highlighted cells hold the clear edge where both sides have a number. Every figure is a range maximum from the reference; typical loads run lower.

Case profiles, to scale

Drawn to the same scale, so the proportions are true. Physical size varies with your screen.

ToolOverlay .50-70 Government and .50-90 Sharps trajectories with real loads in Ballistic Compare