I've always wanted a bigger thumper like a .45-70, just to have one. There are increasing numbers of grizzly sightings near where we camp during the summer, so I can add that as an excuse, although admittedly a flimsy one. From what I have read, the .45-70 in a lever action is an excellent close-quarters protection gun, even on the biggest of bears.
A 35 Whelen for the first 100 yards is basically the same as a 375 H & H Magnum. More then enough for any, every and all, Big game animal(s) in North America & a lot of African Big game animal(s,) for which it was designed.
Why I mention the other rounds, is because I'm a very cheap person. ALL THREE USE THE SAME BRASS, just neck it up, or down.
When I would go to the gun / rifle range and shoot my 35 Whelen, just after the first round, every one would look my way and ASK, WHAT THE HELL IS THAT!!!!! Never mind the muzzle flash in broad daylight, that couldn't be missed.
When I was shooting the 35 Whelen it was a wildcat(er) cartridge, i.e., only self hand / home loading. I believe one of the big name manufactures offers it now in a factory round & build. For those wondering about spec's. plenty of loading data available.
Most people think that the .35 Whelen cartridge, which is a .30/06 case necked up to .35 caliber, was designed by Colonel Townsend Whelen. As a matter of fact, it was only named for Colonel Whelen, but was designed by James Howe, who was then with the famous firm of Griffin and Howe.
The cartridge was designed in the early 1920's at a time when the only way to get a .375 Magnum was to have one built up on the long expensive Magnum Mauser action. The great advantage of the .35 Whelen was that this was a cartridge that could handle heavy bullets and yet could be used on short actions like 98 Mauser and the Springfield
Source: pg. 305, Speer Manual for Reloading Ammunition Number 8.