Deerslayer - my all time favorite bear rifle I use here in PA is my Marlin Guide Gun in 45-70. It is a pleasure to carry and it has taken 3 bear with as many shots. I think 2 more good choices for your type of hunting would be the Marlin 336 in 35 Rem or a Browning BLR in 358 Win. Either of these 3 chambering will wreck any black bear's day.