How does the .50-110 WCF compare to the .45-70 Government cartridge?

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Historical Background The .50-110 WCF cartridge was introduced in the late 19th century for use in large game hunting, particularly for bears and other large predators. It was designed to push a 500-grain bullet at a muzzle velocity of 1,850 feet per second, resulting in a significant increase in muzzle energy compared to earlier cartridges like the .45-70 Government. This power and range made the .50-110 WCF a popular choice for big game hunting at the time.
Comparison to the .45-70 Government The .45-70 Government cartridge, on the other hand, was introduced in the late 19th century for use in the US military and later became popular for hunting and self-defense. While it is still a powerful cartridge, it falls short of the .50-110 WCF in terms of muzzle energy and range. The .45-70 Government typically pushes a 405-grain bullet at a muzzle velocity of 1,300 feet per second, resulting in a muzzle energy of around 1,300 foot-pounds. In comparison, the .50-110 WCF can achieve muzzle energies of up to 3,500 foot-pounds or more, depending on the specific load and bullet used.
Handling and Recoil Due to its increased power and range, the .50-110 WCF requires a more substantial rifle to handle the recoil and a more skilled shooter to effectively use the cartridge. A minimum barrel length of 26 inches is recommended, and the rifle should be designed to withstand the high pressures generated by the cartridge. Additionally, the .50-110 WCF typically requires a heavier bullet to achieve the desired range and power, which can increase the recoil felt by the shooter.