Also hunting in NCPA mostly for bear for over 50 years from what I recall I've used a Rem 760 (308), Ruger 77 (300 Win Mag), Marlin 336 (35 Rem), Marlin 1895 Guide Gun (45-70) and Tikka T3 lite (30-06) and even a .58 caliber percussion lock muzzleloader. Out of these my Guide Gun 45-70 is my favorite. Plenty accurate, enough thump for the biggest bear, and easy tote around climbing those steep hillsides.