Woodbeef,
Pockets of popularity are also dependant on what game is hunted. In Victoria (Australia) its reasonably popular because of the popularity of hunting Sambar deer (elk sized) in rugged terrain. The banning of semi-autos probably assisted as a Rem7600 in 35Whelen (as opposed to a 30/06 or 308 Woodmaster or BAR) is a fine hound hunting rifle with quick repeatable shots avaialable. Being squeezed by the 338WinMag and 375H&H doesn't help either ... particularly if you have dreams of hunting Africa where 375H&H can be a mandated minimum for dangerous game. The 338Federal has shown that the world hasn't gone totally "magnum" mad. But the boosted velocities with pixie powders will also never be seen in the 35Whelen or 358Win due to older Springfield/M95s/Savage99's etc still floating about.

I'd support Daryl 100% in wishing a 275gr-280gr projectile was on the market and available ... Woodleigh may produce such a projectile in RN configuration if enough interest was shown.
Cheers...
Con