Kodiakhuntmaster;
Good luck getting to Alaska! It took me 7 years before I was lucky enough to get an assignment to Elmendorf! It seems everyone and thier brother wants to go there or Hawaii. Just depends on your AFSC, I was a firefighter. My rifle of choice was the .300 Win. Mag. Bought it at the Sports Stoe on base, they have great deals on guns. I killed everything but Grizz with it and had no problems. You will get all different opinions on caliber for grizzlies, from 30-06 all the way up to .500' s. I think in choosing a rifle for Alaska you must consider your specific usea and requirements. The selection of bullet weights and effectiveness is why I chose the .300 Win. Mag. 150 grain for Blacktails on Kodiak up to 225 grain for grizz. This was just my personnel preference. Let me know if you get assigned up there and I can give you some quality fishing spots frrom Homer to Talkeetna.
Good Luck!
Rogo