RE: Is .308 enough gun
If I were to go for a big bear, I think I would choose a Model 70 in 35 Whelen. Be a damned good excuse to buy a new rifle. Would prolly top it with a 2x-8x Leupold. I would choose Nosler Partitions as my bullet. However, if I HAD to kill a bear with a rifle I already own, I know my 06 would do it.
Oh, and the .243 is NOT too small for deer.