I think the 7600 / 35 Whelen combo is near perfection. I have hunted with the 7600 in 30-06 and the recoil very managable. I do not like shooting magnums at all but I feel based on the 06, I could handle the Whelens recoil. This would definatly be my gun in grizzly country. Power to spare and fast seconds, and third shots, if required.