Been getting lot of good info. from everyone. So far it looks like the .44mag Ruger carbine. It’ll stop most anything I’d encounter up in the hills. We’ve bear, cougar, deer, elk, coyote. The lesser critters I’d use my .22 magnum by Marlin. From what folks have been saying, the .44mag would stop a truck. Thanks to all who’ve answered.
Is the Ruger carbine your choice because it’s light on the shoulder? FWIW, I own a Coonan, it’s a .357mag on a 1911 frame. It’s so easy on the hand and a pleasure to shoot but it jams periodically. Rimmed cartridges jam because they are not made for semi-auto, they are for revolvers. You can’t have a jam if a brown bear is charging.