As to the rail gun question here (I first thought of the Big Bertha or Paris gun, then remembered my old Quake II days), it establishes the accuracy of a barrel/action in relation to the ammo used. However, it does nothing to establish the accuracy of the shooter. The usefullness in determining accurate loads would be limited in that the loads proved accurate out of the rail gun would not necessarily apply to any other rifle in the world.
Of course, it does take the human element out of the equation. No trembling hands, no breathing or the like. I don't mind others liking them, but it seems to me to be taking the spirit out of shooting competitions. Ultimately, shooting competitions, even bench rest, are related to the training of marksmanship for something other than putting holes in paper. These competitions help hone the skills of shooters, and establishes the quality of the shooter at his craft. Competition rifles, even heavy single shot bench rest models, have the potential for applications elsewhere. Whether in hunting or in a military context, the competition rifle can be used.
Enter the rail gun, and it has no use other than to put holes in paper. It cannot be reasonably used for hunting or for potential combat. It cannot be used to defend the home and in varmint hunting it would be seriously disadvantaged. It seems a rifle that has no good use in the real world.
I mean no offense to anyone, especially to Robert. They are a neat tool and could have a nitch all themselves, one that establishes absolute accuracy capable in a mechanical device. The competition to see the ultimate engineering capability of man is valid in its own right. But that seems more a competition between engineers than shooters. Perhaps it would prove the ability of the handloader or the ability of the user to precisely adjust the rifle. Heck, one wonders the need even of having an optical scope. Iron sights would probably be just fine. Once you get lined up on the target, the user's ability are nil and all is left up to the rifle. But, that is just my opinion and others are free to have theirs. I do not dislike the rail gun as presented here. It just doesn't seem right.
(or as Cesiumsponge said more concisely above)
Ash