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Yes, the .50 caliber rifle has been around for a long time..
They were used for buffalo hunting in the 1860's..

The "Trapdoor Springfield" was available in both 45-70 and 50-70.
The Remington Rolling Block was also available in 44-77, 44-90, 50-70, and later, the 45-70.. ( a very popular caliber of the times.. )

Of course, the most famous of the buffalo guns was the Sharps Model 1874..
Sharps also made a 50-90 model, used by famous buffalo hunter Billy Dixon who took out an Indian warrior at 1,500 yards. (.85225 miles )

Other makers were Ballard, Maynard, and Spencer. ( which was also considered and exceptional gun..)
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I have read an article (or ad) recently concerning 45/70 and 45/110 lever-actions..
They are readily available in the modern market..
Reason for interest was the recent talk of "outlawing" 50 cal rifles in CA..
I figured one way to get around it was to simply go to the 45/70..

I am sure that the 50 cal of today is better than that of yesteryear..
That, however, wasn't the point.. In fact, it proves my point..
If a powder and ball 50 cal. ( or 45/70) was powerful enough for Bison and Grizzly in the 1860's and 70's, today's models are more than sufficient..

I just wanted you to know the 50 BMG sniper rifle they are using today has almost nothing in common with the ones used over a hundred years ago except for the diameter. You are correct though when you do say the antiques are more than adequate for taking any big game on this hemisphere.

Billy Dixon never mentioned just which .50 he had used. All the facts of that case came from his wife Olive's book of his story. He only mentioned he used "a big 50". Just which one it was is speculation.