The .30-06 is ,in my opinion, the minimum do it all option for North America. I don't think you're going to find too many people with a suggestion of something with less recoil than the '06 for big bears.
Even better, if big bears are on the menu, is the .338win mag or .375h&h or .375 Ruger. These will truly cover you for all North America big game.
However, if I primarily deer hunted and thought there was a possibility of someday hunting grizzlies, I would still stick with the .30-06. No reason to shoot a cannon all your life in the hopes of someday needing it. Shoot something more comfortable and have confidence in it if you ever have the option to go for bear.
-Jake
Last edited by Bocajnala; 02-01-2019 at 05:37 PM.