“I have heard stories about .44 magnum rounds at point black range ricocheting off the skull of a grizzly bear too.”
If you have ever had the opportunity to examine a bear skull up close and from all angles, (my brother has several) it is clear why there is a reputation of bullets ricocheting off of the skull. If you from dead on between the eyes and up, it is a very oblique angle on the skull, and pretty tough bone as well. Shooting them up the nose follows a channel directly to the brain. Front on to the eye has a good chance of missing the brain to either side.
Yeah, that’s what I have heard-go for the nose if it’s head on as is likely if it’s charging you. I have also heard that jammed into its mouth is appropriate when it’s right on top of you trying to turn you into lunch and breaking its front shoulder(s) first and foremost is most preferable. Doubt I’ll ever have to worry about it; although, I have been considering a black bear hunt for a while.