Hi There,
Yes todays Jacketed bullets are far better than those of only 50 years ago and measurment equipment should be better today than it was in Popes time. I say should because I am not impressed with some of todays wonder Electronic stuff. Vernier Calipers for instance seems to be very shoddily made especially if you compare them with an old Chesterman or Starrett verniers. The new ones wear out in a couple of years use whilst the old ones go on seemingly forever with due care, and it's the main bean of the caliper whihc wears not, the hardened stainless steel just does not hold up like the old hardened steel of years ago.
Now you mention bechrest............. hmmmmmm I am not sure a gun which really qualifies as a piece of Coastal artillry due to it's ridiculas weight is a fair comparision
One day if I get the chance I will have to try Rimfire Benchrest so see what it's all about. I need to get some scope blocks for my BSA 12/15 and a decent scope first though before I can play. The BSA is factory standard except for a lightened trigger whihc was done before I aquired it, so it's a normal prone small bore target rifle, mine has the optional heavier Bull barrel on it.