I agree with Eldequello-----Black bears just are't that hard to kill. A well-placed shot with MOST calibers suited to deer - sized game and up should do the trick well. Not recommending 24 & 25 cal. here. I've taken several nice bear, including one georgous cinnamon, with .338 cal. 200gr. bullets. Never went very far. Here in PA., there are plenty taken with 30/30's and '06's. Put the shot in the boiler room, and it's yours.