I have always been a 35cal fan.
I do not have a handi in 35 Whelen, but I do have a Custom Mauser '98. Its a wonderfully efficient caliber. You can effectively load it with 357 Cal pistol bullets for very light plinking loads up to stomping 250+gr stompers.
It works well with many different powders. Mine shoots Hornady 200gr with a stiff load of 2520 powder under one inch at 100 and at a velocity of 3000fps. Another compressed load of RL15 and a 225gr Nosler Accubond gets into groups under 1" as well. A load of IMR4320 and a 250gr RN shoots right at 1".
Its a great caliber! Give it a shot, I think you will like it too.
CW