The 35 Whelen requires far less powder to achieve equal velocities as the 300 win mag
Trystan
Show me.
Try Speer Data - almost 100fps more velocity with 8 grains less powder...
Larger calibers are efficient, but the rub is picking a decent bullet and then pushing it at greater speeds. Physics says there are limits on what you can do...
I have used a number of Whelens over a very long time... starting in the '60s. I currently own two 35WAI rifles. I have shot a bunch of stuff with one of them over the past 40 years. I have used most 30 magnum cartridges at one time or another and a couple rifles I have used a lot. I went through the Partition phase, the Hornady Phase, even had a Sierra Phase with 30Magnums. Then I found Jesus holding up a box of Barnes... The Whelen ain't close...
I guess it depends on your usage, but I would still have no problem using a 35 Whelen for anything in AK. When it comes to the big nasty stuff, I'd go ahead and take my 35 WAI with a 310 Woodleigh. 4' of penetration in water and 98% weight retention should do just fine. It also has an SD well beyond that of a .308 220 grain pill.
Of course, I also have a 300 Mag (Weatherby), so I can make use of whatever advantage the 30 cal projectiles have if I wanted to. I guess that is why there is more than one cartridge available.