the .223 is a great caliber to have....just not for deer if there are other choices available
that said, i think i could make one work if i really had to for economic reasons etc.
the 35rem is awesome imo. it is one of my top picks. the past 2 seasons i took a decent buck at 200yrds with mine(no holdover either!). well....mine is actually a rimmed version from 303 british brass, but same deal, same dies, same chamber etc. a heavy load of H322 with the hornady 180gr ssp does a great job. i will find it difficult to choose another chambering to head to the woods with from now on.
recoil is very stiff with heavy hunting loads, but i don't find it overly abusive. there are so many good loads out there, you can shoot the lighter recoiling ones for practice etc and save the horsepower for serious business. of course the TC muzzle brake will take out a lil bit of the recoil.
buy it!