Considering that Bear season is also open I may opt for the Rem 600 in 308 or a Lone Eagle pistol also in 308. I don't think I want to go after bear with a 223. The only reason I was considering a smaller caliber was to limit pelt damage. I've shot coyote with a 270 Win before and it really made a mess. One broadside shot left an exit wound the size of my hand, another a head shot blew the whole top of the head off but that was like only a 50 yd shot.