The 45-90 Winchester was introduced in 1886 in the John Browning-designed 1886 Winchester. Utilizing the 1886's full action length, it is essentially an extended 45-70 cartridge, using the same .458-inch bullet but with a 2.394-inch case and 90 grains of blackpowder, substantially increasing velocity. Although never as popular as the 45-70, it was more powerful and considered far superior on larger game. Smokeless loads were available after 1895, including a high-velocity load with a 300-grain bullet at 1950 feet per second. The 45-90 remained in production until 1936. It is currently chambered in reproductions of vintage rifles and ammunition is available from specialty suppliers.
