BigGameHoundsmen.com

44 lever gun 300 grain hard cast or 444 lever gun. never shot a bear more then once with them two bear killers or even the 30-30 works good.

blow gun all the way.

In my opinion try ta find yourself a pre 1964 model 94 in a 30-30 or a 32 win they will never fail

I've got a 45/70 stainless guide gun that I love. It fits the bill for me. I think any bolt/lever rifle above a 30 cal is good medicine for a bear. I just like having a little extra oomph in a load in case you get a big boar on the ground. A treed bear is a totally different situation.

To the people using 12ga slugs, y'all using slug barrels or just open bore?

I have a Winchester 1400 with a slug barrel, shoots a tight group..

Over the years, I have seen many bear harvested. I would have to say the best was a 265 lb boar shot with a .257 Roberts. The hunter took him right under the chin, to see the bullets impact, and the effect it had on the bear, left no doubt that the bear was dead instantly. One of the worst was a 105 lb bear that was shot with a 300 ultra mag. The first shot, which was a neck shot, knocked the bear out of the tree, it stood up, and started climbing the tree again. The second shot finished it off. The point that I am trying to make is shot placement is critical. I think that a gun that you shoot well, and have complete confidence in is a better choice than one you lack confidence in, or do not shoot as well. However, if all things are equal, I would choose the one with more knock down power just in case.