"I don't know anything about the CVA rifles, but my brother and I both experimented with 35 Whelen. In a nutshell you get recoil that equals or exceeds 300 WM depending on bullet weight. A 30-06 loaded with 200-220 gr bullets penetrates deeper at any range, and has more energy than 35 Whelen with 200-225 gr bullets beyond about 100 yards. And does it with less recoil and flatter trajectory. If you shoot bullets heavier than 250 gr in the Whelen you start showing some minor advantage over 30-06.
I understand that some places consider a single shot rifle in 35 Whelen legal for primitive weapons season. If that is the angle you're looking at then it would be a legitimate choice.
But given the option of hunting with a 30-06, 300 magnum, or 35 Whelen I'd take one of the 30 calibers 10 times out of 10. If something in 30 caliber isn't big enough, 35 Whelen ain't enough bigger to matter."
I'm strongly inclined to disagree with you. Rifle weight, fit and bullet choice can make a big difference. I've used the 30-06, .300 Win. Mag. and the Whelen on elk and all work just fine. I've decided on the Whelen for most of my elk hunts. Push a 225 gr, Barnes TSX, Nosler Partion or Acubond to 2600/2700 FPS and you have the same trajectory as a 180 gr. 30-06 plus or minus an inch or so depending on which bullet. I've shot elk from 150 yards to 350 yards with the Barnes bullet and two elk were DRT and three that were hit a bit too far back were stopped on the spot but needed finishers. I have three Whelens and two have the 1 in 16" twist while the custom has a 1 in 14" twist. I would think no problem would arise using a Partition or Accubond in 225 gr. weight. Remington messed up again when loading the cartridge to be suitable for pump and semi-auto rifles. Guess they did not learn from the .280 Rem. Any bullet hat will hit an elk behind the short ribs and exit between the neck ans should certainly has more than enough penetration for anything on the North American continent and most African game as well. I do exclude the dangerous game but think it would work just fine on leopard or lion as weel if the particular country I might be hunting in allowed it.
Paul B.