I think it's very interesting this thread started in 2005, and it lives on with great spirit! I've only hunted big bears once, and that was with a pretty famous professional guide. His rule was it had to be under 300 yards, and then only with a perfect rest and shot angle. I was carrying a 33 Nosler, which the guide thought was okay, but his personal rifle was a .375 Ruger. (And the only reason it wasn't a .375 H&H was because his had been lost while on a rescue mission saving a hunter who was swept off his feet during a river crossing.). BTW, I didn't take a bear on that trip, but it's still a hunt that will last forever in my memory!