jmr40,
I cant help notice that every time .35 Whelen is mentioned in a thread, you come along and expound upon the 30-06 being just as good with modern bullets. I have to disagree. While modern bullets certainly have enabled better terminal performance from just about any cartridge, when it comes to BIG game, I am convinced of the .35 Whelens superiority over the 30-06.
I have two 30-06s, and my wife has one. I like them, and use them, but they can not push a 250 grain bullet to 2500+ FPS or a 225 grain bullet to 2700 FPS like the Whelen can. I have shot moose, muskox, grizzly with my Whelen, and a .358 diameter 250 grain partition at 2550 FPS muzzle velocity has a dramatic effect on bigger animals. I have shot lengthwise through a seven foot interior grizzly with this load, so in my mind, any theoretical sectional density advantage of the 220 grain .308 is moot.
The 30-06 is fine, and honestly, all one really needs for North America hunting, but I think you are fooling yourself if you think the 30-06 can match the Whelen with heavier bullet weights. You are right on one point, the recoil is on par with the 300 magnums, and for good reason, the Whelen pushes similar weight bullets to similar speeds as a .300 magnum. For example, the Whelen can push a 200 grain bullet at 2900+ FPS, which is on par with what a .300 Mag will do.