.50-70 Government

Infobox Firearm Cartridge
name= .50-70 Government


caption=
origin= USA
type= Rifle
service= 1866-1873
used_by=USA
wars=
designer=
design_date=1866
manufacturer=
production_date=
number=
variants=
is_SI_specs=
parent=
case_type=Rimmed, straight
bullet=.515
neck=.535
shoulder=
base=.565
rim_dia=.660
rim_thick=.065
case_length=1.75
length=2.25
rifling=
primer=Large rifle

is_SI_ballistics=
bw1=425
btype1=Lead SP
vel1=1448
en1=1979
bw2=550
btype2=Lead FN
vel2=1375
en2=2310
bw3=400
btype3=SP
vel3=1849
en3=3037
bw4=
btype4=
vel4=
en4=
bw5=
btype5=
vel5=
en5=
test_barrel_length=28"
balsrc= Accurate Powder [http://www.accuratepowder.com/data/PerCaliber2Guide/Rifle/ObsoleteCartridges/50%2070%20Goverment%20page%20366%20to%20367.pdf .50-70 Govt data from Accurate Powder] ] The .50-70 Government cartridge was a black powder round adopted in 1866 for the Springfield Model 1866 Trapdoor Springfield. The cartridge was developed after the unsatisfactory results of the .58 rimfire cartridge for the Model 1865 Trapdoor Springfield.

The .50-70 Government cartridge became the official cartridge of the US military until replaced by the .45-70 Government in 1873, with a pressure limit of 22,500 PSI.

The official nomenclature is .50-70-450. It stands for

Caliber .50

Powder Charge convert|70|gr|g black powder

Bullet Weight convert|450|gr|g

Since this cartridge is no longer commercially produced, reloaders have experimented with a variety of bullet weights from 425 to convert|600|gr|g in weight. There is evidence that a reduced load version of this cartridge was officially produced for use in Sharps carbines converted to metallic cartridge ammunition, as well as cadet rifles. This used a convert|430|gr|g|sing=on bullet and convert|45|gr|g of powder.

ee also

* List of rifle cartridges
* 13 mm caliber

References