Hi CombatDiver - nice to see you here and on Marlin talk. Bart the .35 Whelen is a good cartridge out to 250 yds and more. The 225 grain partition is even better at longer ranges. I've heard of iffy performance on the 225gr Ballistic tips if you have to bust something up close. I agree with Diver, if your not going to scope it then a good receiver sight or maybe a tang sight would be just the ticket. Good luck, CEJ