Never have owned a 375/416/458, but, would like to. One often reads/hears about the role of a properly shaped stock to aid in recoil management. Now you see Model 7O stocks with straight combs, Ruger 77 Safari Magnums with neglibible or no drop, CZ-550's with slight drop or "hog backs", "California styles by Weatherby et.al,big blocky things from A-Square, and even what optically appear to be negative drop affairs from custom makers(Serengeti). Could be wrong about the negative drop thing regarding Serengeti but some of their stocks sorta look that way-butt higher than front of comb.
My question, what works best to minimize recoil when using the typical low-medium height mounted scope?

IMHO, the stock for a hard-kicking big bore bolt rifle should have these features:

1. A straight butt stock, with minimal drop at comb and heel, just enough to permit the bolt to be cycled freely - directs recoil straight back.

2. A fairly wide and rounded comb and a cheekpiece - protects the face.

3. A fairly deep and wide butt profile - spreads the recoil force over a wider area.

4. An effective recoil pad, such as a Decelerator - for obvious reasons.

5. Enough length of pull to keep your head more or less upright and your nose away from the thumb of your dominant hand - IMHO, about a quarter to a half inch or so more than you might otherwise want as your maximum for "handiness."

These features make the rifle recoil straight back into the shoulder pocket, where your body weight can be brought to bear, and also protect the face and soften the blow.

A fairly heavy contoured barrel is also a good idea in a big bore, IMHO.

mrlexma, very well said on all points. That is the exact stock design we use on all of our rifles including the 585, 600 OK and 700 AHR. Add some weight to the butt for balance especially if you have a heavy barrel profile.

+2 on what mrlexma says!