SteveADK,
I have not shot this newer rifle, but have shot the .35 Whelen in the Model 700, 7400 and 7600. The 250 grain bullet offers a little more felt recoil than the 220 grain bullet does in the .30-06 cartridge. The .35 Whelen recoil is more of a push than a snap, so it is not like the .338 WM or even hot loads in the .300 WM in that respect. If you are not uncomfortable with 220 grain .30-06 loads, I would think you can handle the .35 Whelen with 250 grain bullets. IMO, this is a great cartridge, one that offers definite advantages over the 06 with not much more recoil. It has what used to be termed "soft" recoil. In the semi-auto it's recoil is reduced a little, at least as I feel it on my shoulder. Again, to me, this is a very pleasant cartridge to shoot.