RE: .243 vs. 30-30
i would definately say that the 30-30 is what you want for bear. but i have to disagree about the 243 just being a varmit cartridge. a guy i hunt with exclussively uses the 243 and swears by it. it's good out to about 300 yards if not more. it doesn't have much recoil but more than enough power for deer and antelope.