[LibWhacker]

A .454 Casull is more than enough, I think. Still, I'd rather have a rifle and some dogs with me for a big griz.

[Alas Babylon!]

There was an article in Field & Stream a few years back that went over what you needed for self defense in big bear country. They made a point about making noise so the bear knew you were near and would back off. Still, they acknowledged you may be hunting, so you wouldn't want to spook your game. In that case, and especially when a bear can be upon you in an instant (no time for a rifle shot), they recommended a large caliber revolver with a short barrel. If a bear is on you you really don't need to aim at distance, just fire for effect. If the bear is far enough away, just discharging the weapon should be enough to keep it away. But at the critical time, when the bear is trying to take your face off, you don't want any jams, stove-pipes, or have to charge a weapon when split seconds count.

I'll see if I can find the article.

[D Rider]

I used to live in that area. Every single year you would read about at least one hunter that was killed while gutting a Deer or Elk alone. It seems that we have trained the bears to come at the sound of a shot, (they are Federally protected.) Shoot one and your on the way to the Federal pen. Dogs do a pretty good job of watching your back.

If you have to shoot, shoot for one of the front shoulders. They move fast, and thats the only way to slow them down.