ORIGINAL: SPIKEHORN11
What is a good caliber for black bear and whitetail deer? I have a .243 but I am guessing that it is too small for bear.
There are many many good rounds suitable for black bear and deer. IMO they start with the .243 and work up to the .375 H&H.
The .270-.280-.30-06 class are more than powerful enough for the task. My personal preference for this category of game is the .25-06, .260, 7-08 class of cartridges. The .260 and 6.5 X 55 being at the top of my list. The .243 will do the job as well on deer but for a 400 pound black bear I'd like a little more oomph.