i dont know if i would get this gun for bear. I have used it for bear but is my only gun. THe best overall bullet is the 140 core lock bullet by remington. Its a overall good and versatile gun caliber. I would like to say that i have retrieved a lot of bullets that did not go through whitetails. One this year..This is not a nock down gun. YOu can kill anything with good shot placement though... I shot a 9 point this year and he ran 150 yards like i never touch them....Double lung and i hit rib on the entry..YOu make the call...I know bear are tougher than deer