just so everyody knows here, I am not trying to step on anybody's toes. I know I am not the expert. I am just gonna toss out a couple of things for jdbowhunter to think about.

I Know what you mean that the 15miles isn't really going to make a real difference. But what i did say was that what you read about, or saw on TV, may have been a different part of Alaska. However, from one side of the mountain to the other, you may find a difference. All I am saying is that your guide KNOWS what is in his backyard. you said it yourself this was your first hunt there. I wonder how many times he has been out there? I wonder if he has seen more than one person come in too light with their caliber?
Yeah, I know, there are lots of you that have killed bears with a .300 of one type or another. And those lot of you may just have a little more experience.
Somebody here made reference to the oil change guy, and sure, might be an OK comparrison. But I would think, that a guide for bears that was as incompetant asthe oil changeguy would either have gotten himself hurt/killed, or wouldn't have any referrals to hunt with him.

Luckdog, you make a good point too, the guide should have something with some punch behind it for back up. But do you want to be the guy that the guide killed your bear for you, cause you wounded it using something lighter than he told you to bring. And especially if you have access to something a little bigger. I think he said his son had HIS .338 of some sort that he could take.

Sorry guys, just playing the devils advocate here. If I am way off the mark, I guess I will learn something. These are just my thoughts.