ORIGINAL: robbcayman
Hey, if you feel comfortable hunting big bears with smaller rounds then go for it. I feel a lot of times people get on these boards just to fight, and I'm not here for that. I would feel more comfortable going with what the guide suggested and I have stated my reasons why. To the original poster, I hope you shoot a good sized bear and do so safely.
I'm not sure I'd be "comfortable" hunting big bears with anything. I'm not here to fight, just to exchange ideas and opinions and hopefully learn some stuff along the way.
I'd be really interested in hearing the opinions of members who have actually harvested big bears, what caliber/cartridge and bullet they used, and how the bullet performed (i.e. penetration, whether it hit/broke bone, etc.).