That is my perspective -- I am set on the 35 caliber. I am a 35 cal. fan.
I am planning on doing this very thing - build a custom rifle in .358 Alaskan (STA).
I purchased a Remington 700 Long action as the foundation, about $400.
Next to investigate barrel companies. I called McGowen barrels and inquired about barrels and coatings. Will investigate other barrel companies too.
The .358 STA article at ballisticstudies.com says a good stock for this cartridge would be a stock of the Remington Sendero platform.