I've owned a model 700 classic in 35 whelen for many years. I've taken one doe with it, and my dad has used it on two deer and a Javelina. The deer dropped in their tracks, and the Javelina had a very large hole through it. Growing up I used a 30-06 for many hunting trips, but when I had the chance at a whelen I jumped on it and am ever so glad I did. Using published handload data I can propel a 200gr Barnes TTSX at a chronied speed of 2891fps from a 22" barrel for flat shooting medicine, or I can hurl a 250gr Hornady round nose at 2530fps again using published data for a raw power load. This caliber has considerably more power than the standard 30cal version. I've also pounded steel targets with both rifles at 200 yds on an afternoon shooting excursion, and the difference is almost shocking. If I were to face an angry bear at close range the 35 whelen would definitely be my choice.
