for actually taking a kodiak, and griz with a handgun, I'd want a 500s&w, .480ruger, .454casull, .460s&w, not a .44mag.

a black bear in the states I think the .44 would be fine.

btw, get started on these hunts, thinking about it for 10years? It's time to check one off!

as a backup I think that .45-70 would be the way to go, compare TKO values...I'm guessing the .45-70's is higher than the .375H&H...at least if you're shooting 400gr ...