I'm curious about the cartridges used in Winchester model 1886 lever action rifles. In cartridges such as the .45-70 or .45-90 what does the second number indicate? I understand the first number is the bore size. If someone could explain it to me in plain English I'd appreciate it. Thanks.

I'm curious about the cartridges used in Winchester model 1886 lever action rifles. In cartridges such as the .45-70 or .45-90 what does the second number indicate? I understand the first number is the bore size. If someone could explain it to me in plain English I'd appreciate it. Thanks.

they are old black powder cartridges. The "70" indicates 70 grains of black powder, etc. Works for pistol cartridges, too... 44-40

Okay, thanks for the explanation. What had me confused was an article I read recently that said that the cartridges used in the model 1886's were all either 2.10" or 2.40" in length so I couldn't figure out what the second number was supposed to indicate. Thanks again.

they are old black powder cartridges. The "70" indicates 70 grains of black powder, etc. Works for pistol cartridges, too... 44-40