If you are concerned about weight and overall length, why not consider one of the short action medium bore calibers like 338 Federal or 358 Winchester? With a short action, you could have another inch or two of barrel.
The 35 Whelen is one of my favorite cartridges, while the 338 Fed and 358 Win are fine rounds I have no desire to get either. It's the Whelen or nothing for me
My Ruger 375 with the 20" barrel is what got me thinking about an even shorter rifle, my 375 handles very nicely this gun would be even better since my Rem 700 264 WM with the Edge stock fits me so well.
