I personally have shot a 35 whelen ai that belongs to a friend. I have tried to buy it many times I am so impressed. It impresses everyone that is around it. Very good on hogs.
I have a couple AI's 25-06 and 30-30. both are very good.
As far as a brush buster goes, no cartridge is any better than another.
Just a myth.
Shoot any caliber,any bullet into brush and it will be deflected from you point of aimby the first thing it hits.