Before good reproductions were available (excepting unobtainable Sharps) matches in my area were shot with a mix of originals, good number were Trapdoors. Offhand match on 200 yard steel swingers was 40 shot's. With sighters and shoot offs 50 shots typical.

Government carbine bullet 405 grains most often used but some of the best shooters used a 330 grain out of a Rapine mold that duplicated a typical lever action 45/70 cartridge . Powder always Pistol Unique or similar no wads or fillers. Just sub sonic velocity. It  was accurate as long as the rifle was mounted consistently.

Low recoil made a real difference end of long strings with an unaltered Trapdoor particularly in shoot off’s. I did switch to the 405 at longer ranges, up to 500 yards and once at 1000.

Boats