Cartridge Hall of Fame: 50-70 Government Ammunition | MidwayUSA

Published on April 15, 2010
Duration: 1:31

This entry details the .50-70 Government cartridge, the first centerfire round adopted by the US Army, as presented by Larry Potterfield, CEO of MidwayUSA. It covers its historical context, technical specifications including its straight-walled, rimmed case and 70 grains of black powder, and its primary use in firearms like the 1866 Trapdoor Springfield, Sharps, and Remington Rolling Block rifles. The cartridge's power, naming convention, and its role as a popular buffalo cartridge are also explained, solidifying its place in firearm history.

Quick Summary

The .50-70 Government was the first centerfire cartridge adopted by the U.S. Army, designed for the 1866 Trapdoor Springfield. It features a 50 caliber bullet and 70 grains of black powder, producing over 2000 lbs of muzzle energy. It was also used in Sharps and Remington Rolling Block rifles before being replaced by the .45-70.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to .50-70 Government
  2. 00:13History and Power of .50-70
  3. 00:28Cartridge Design and Naming
  4. 00:41Military Use and Replacement
  5. 00:50Other Firearms and Hunting
  6. 01:04General Custer's Rifle
  7. 01:12Legacy of .50-70

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the .50-70 Government cartridge?

The .50-70 Government was the first centerfire cartridge adopted by the U.S. Army, developed for the 1866 Trapdoor Springfield rifle. It's known for its power, generating over 2000 lbs of muzzle energy, and its historical significance in the late 19th century.

What firearms were chambered for the .50-70 Government?

The .50-70 Government cartridge was primarily used in the 1866 Trapdoor Springfield rifle. It was also chambered in other firearms of the era, including Sharps rifles and Remington Rolling Block rifles, and was popular for buffalo hunting.

How did the .50-70 Government cartridge get its name?

The name '.50-70 Government' follows an old convention where '50' refers to the bullet caliber (0.50 inches) and '70' refers to the approximate weight of black powder in grains (70 grains) used as propellant.

What replaced the .50-70 Government cartridge in US Army service?

The .50-70 Government cartridge saw a relatively short service life of about seven years before being replaced by the .45-70 cartridge in the U.S. Army. The .45-70 offered improved performance and became a more enduring cartridge.

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