I have a 35 whelen barrel for my TC encore prohunter. Recoil isn’t that bad even with my hand loads. I can get 2660 fps with a 250 grain bullet out of my 28” barrel using Speer load data but I find the best accuracy at lower velocity. Factory ammo is hard to come by and expensive but I have no problem finding bullets to hand load

If you want a truly classic big bore go with the 375H&H. You can find ammo anywhere in the world for it; might be a little hard in Mississippi, but on the other hand I actually bought my 375 from Sportsman's Warehouse in Southhaven MS.
They are fun to reload for. I use mine for everything from little blacktail deer (very little meat damage) to Brown bear. Also doesn't kick as bad as some of the smaller magnums.
A 45-70 imo is just a pumpkin chucker, the factory ammo for it is wimpy.

Now that I think of it the Whelen would be a good fit in my favorite lever gun the 95 winchester. By all measures the Whelen isn't a reach across three counties round but more of heavy hitter at moderate ranges. And seeing as the 95 is restricted to irons that combo would be a good one.

Buzzard, that seems rather offensive. Hope it wasn't meant that way. Wolfie is a valued member.

I started with a 30-06, then a 7mag, then a 35 Whelen. A fun gun with recoil that seems like more of a push. You would like it.

I then had a 375 Scovill built. It’s like a 375 Whelen with the shoulder moved up. Looks like a 9.3x62 case. I can push 250’s to 2700 fps per Dave Scovill (Handloader #162?). Easy to shoot, never recovered a bullet.

Good luck!

That is just Buzzard being Buzzard. His bark is worse than his bite and it is just the way he is.

Every thing you said is exactly what I'm looking at. How you like that CVA ?

If you are getting one that can be used for muzzleloading then it has to be breech loading with an exposed trigger. If you hunt on private land in Mississippi where you are you don't need it. You can use weapon of choice during muzzleloader season. If you get a single shot expect recoil and lots of it. A muzzle brake will take care of that. The free bore in the 36 whelen is enormous and it is hard to find factory ammo that will be consistent. If you go that route send me a PM and I'll turn you on to my load data and components that take care of that issue. If you don't need it for muzzleloader than I would recommend a different platform. The buffalo classic is a neat gun and fun to play with. Remember you can never have too many.

38-55. Mid bore. Nostalgic like 45-70. Very versatile and capable.

When I knew I would be moving to Mississippi I put together a cartridge rifle primitive weapon. Ordered a Mach Grade Machine barrel. Put it on a Thompson Center Pro Hunter action. Gave serious consideration to chamber it in the .35 Whelen. I already play with the .35 Whelen in a 7600, so I made a command decision for MGM to chamber it in 9.3x62mm. Why not start with the .35 Whelen and keep adding barrels to your action. They will make more.

Was thinking about ordering an MGM barrel in a something different. How does it shoot 6BRAI?

it was ment as posted, I asked him several questions on this forum with no reply, I sent him a private message where he didnt answer the main question and took 4 days to reply even tho on here daily . NO, a valued member that plays the ghost and ask dumb questions dont cut it with me

I've always wanted a Whelen but if I got serious, I think I'd buy one of the imported 9.3x64 rifles. They look like a great value for the money.

OTOH- I have a 45-70. A cast 405gr. slug over a 13.0 gr charge of Trail Boss is as fun and economical as shooting gets these days.

Check out Hammer Bullets website for .35 Whelen possibilities.

They also have some loading data. 200gr solid copper. Most folks seem to me able to get 2800-2900fps with them. And made to shoot out of existing 1 in 16" twist barrels. They also show heavier weights. No need for a magnum.