Both of these guns are going to be more than enough. I myself have hunted southwestern Wi and found that both of these calibers were more than enough to get the job done. As for the bears..2 months ago we chased a 500+ pound black bear out of our back 40, It ran right the fence and right into Butch Opelts yard. There have been so many bears in the area the last few years I wont even take a walk in the woods without my Taurus.44mag Rev. Yes a .270 does have enough take down power for a bear if needed. But with the bow season comming up I prefer my .44 mag as a side arm for bear protection. If ya ever want to meet up give me hollar. Im always looking for new places to hunt a few times oout the year. Heres a buck that I shot off my inlaws property back in 2002. The pic is at a bad angle but hes an 8 pointer.