Beaverjack... I knew you were a man of intellect as well as experience. You spell in the proper vernacular...(smile) I have read that... back in the day, the oldtimers swore by big heavy bullets. One guy put it to me like which would I rather get stuck with a nail or a pin? I don't go for the super high speed stuff either. One thing I noticed on this board is the difference in bullet performance based upon distance. A shot at 15 yards blew up on the neck? That had to be something dealing with velocity to be true. I think cartridges have become so sophisticated, a hunter must know its complete performance at a variety of ranges. I also think that is why many guys have success with plain old Remington core-locked, etc. I like Winchester Silvertips but they do a lot of damage to the meat. I like the accuracy and power of Hornaday in my '06... but again... too much damage. I am glad that neither cow I shot went farther than twenty yards with shots just behind the shoulder, out just over 150 yards. The exit wounds of both rounds were about twelve inches across and damaged both shoulder and rib meat going in as well as coming out. I went out thinking I might be undergunned. Came in thinking I had too much gun. I'm thinking optimum range... optimum performance. I want a bigger slower round if I ever get to go out again, and although I am a decent shot at the range and even off-hand... I am not looking to take a shot past 200 yards and it would have to be a great profile shot in great weather for me to take that. I think your 35 Whelen might be the right kind of medicine. I am confident with my 30-30 or my '06 just about anywhere for my hunting needs. My daughter shoots a 7mm mauser.