I have to agree with the other guys. A 243 may not be the BEST choice, but if you get to 150 yards and use an expanding bullet it will work. If you shoot it well, then go for it. If you find yourself with a few extra bucks and plan to hunt black bears often, I' d upgrade to something a bit larger. I' m partial to the 30-06 myself, but there are many choices that are great black bear guns.