Would anybody know what was the best target ever shot with black powder at 200 yds in the bench rest class using aperture sights.

Some of the old-timers were cagy. You look in shooting and fishing and see an incredible group. As you read the article you figure out that it was done on a machine rest. I still don’t know if Rowland’s group was shot with a machine rest or off bags it is never mentioned.

40 Rod

Wasn't Rowlands target shot with a scope?

Are you talking about the "Golden Age" or modern? I'm assuming your asking about the score on the 25 ring target?

Frank

Rowland's Famous Target;

chawk
You may well be remembering correctly. Unfortunately, there are a number of varying stories about that target floating around. Some stories are fact based, others are total fiction.
CW Rowland's note on the target reads: Shot May 16, 1901
Same goes for the exact load used. Load was most likely a duplex but again, stories vary.

Doug Gazaway of Gainsville, GA shot a 5 shot group of .831" in a 20 minute time period at a Pedersoli "5 at 200" side match at the Black Powder Cartridge Nationals five or six years ago. He was shooting a Paul Jones 40 Cal. Creedmoor in a Browning with iron sights. I might add, it was not a calm day................Jim

Thanks for all the answers, based on Randy's questions I will refine my original question.
Best group shot at 200 yds off a sandbag rest using modern aperture sights such as MVA or Baldwin, Hoke, whatever.
Score is not important.
My reason for my question is that in a discussion with a friend I said that that you guys in America were shooting much better groups than we were, to which he replied that the reason for that was because most of you use smokeless powder to do it, whereas here all our competitions are with the more traditional black powder and even duplex loads are not allowed.
Hope this clarifies my original question.
Mike.

What sights was Jim Luke using?

Terry