I have never had the experience, but note that in the current issue of "Successful Hunter" magazine, there is an article by a guide in Alaska who has shot more than a dozen big bears with his '06 over the years, usually when his clients choke trying to shoot thier cannons. He prefers 200gr partitions. I always go loaded "for bear" when in bear country, which is why I don't use anything smaller than 30-06. One of these days I will pick up a 338 and if I can shoot it well then that will be my gun of choice, until then I'll stick with what I am comfortable with. Given all that has happened in the news recently - for the record: If I am mauled and on life support after shooting the '06 at a bar, I don't want my feeding tube removed. Just had to make that clear.