Mountain Man,

Get the 35 Whelen, you will never be dissapointed in your decision. You can load bullets from 150gr - 310 gr. With many premium bullets in there. Factory laods, Federal makes 225 gr Trophy Bonded loads that should be dandy.

A re-barrel job will cost between $200-300 with a good barrel. You may want to consider a different action though, a Rem 700 and Win 70 (push feeds are not too expensive and are very good) or a Mauser. With the Mauser though, you will spend mucho denaro on just bringing it up to speed. I see that Gun Parts has Parker Hale actions for $299. This may be a good way to go. Another option, if your barrel has enough meat, is to have your barrel re-bored. Not sure the cost on this.

After its all said and done the best way and least expensive to get into your 35 Whelen is to keep checking your local gun shops and the gun auctions.

BigBullet

Talk to Allan at Langley G&T. derf