Hi Mr.D
I think all the ruger 350s were actually made in2002/2003, at the same time Rem introduced the 673 in that caliber, you can verify that with the serial number. I guess they were sitting in a box in the back of the factory all that time.
I purchased onelast year ($525, NIB) and love it, although mine is the all weather model.
I found four boxes of the 200gr X bullets and LOVE them, although I don't think any more are available. I am thinking of moving up to the 225 TBBC rather than the 200 TSX. It is a 300+ yard cartridge.
You might want to peruse:
http://35cal.com/
That site is dedicated to the whelen and .350. It also has links to identify the date of manufacture by serial number.
Good luck,
CE