Fergus, I think you're headed in the right direction with the laminated stock you describe. It's hard to beat them for stability, and still keep some of the asthetics of a wood stock. I have one custom rifle in 375 Ackley that was put together by Serengetti Stockworks here in the states. They use much larger slabs of lamination than most laminated stock makers - only 5 pieces per stock. I'll email you a photo of mine.